Sharp Increase in People Complaining of "Eye Pain"... US Medical Community Warns of 'Corneal Burns' Risk

Viewing the Sun with the Naked Eye Can Cause Burns
Wearing Protective Gear Is Also Necessary for Safety During a Solar Eclipse

Starting from the 8th (local time), when the total solar eclipse ended, there has been a surge in Google searches for "eyes hurt" in the United States, drawing attention. Previously, medical professionals and astronomers repeatedly urged people not to view the eclipse with the naked eye.

Google provides a service to track search volumes on its portal site through 'Google Trends.' In the U.S., searches for "eyes hurt" suddenly increased on the morning of the 8th, when the eclipse occurred.

On the 8th (local time), people are watching the partial solar eclipse phenomenon at Central Park in Manhattan, New York, USA. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Related search terms also include phrases such as "eyes hurt after eclipse" and "my eyes hurt after watching the eclipse," all related to the eclipse. It can be inferred that some Americans who viewed the eclipse with the naked eye are experiencing sudden eye pain.

The total solar eclipse that occurred that day happened as the moon's shadow completely covered the sun. Because of this, the daytime sky in the U.S. momentarily darkened, but this does not mean that the solar radiation emitted by the sun decreased. Just as it is unsafe to look at the sun with the naked eye under normal circumstances, it is essential to wear protective viewing equipment when observing a total solar eclipse.

Searches for 'eye pain' in the United States surged around the solar eclipse and then subsided. [Image source=Google Trends]

Our eyes are more vulnerable to heat than we might think. Especially when directly exposed to ultraviolet rays, there is a risk of developing 'corneal burns.' Mild burns may ease as the corneal epithelium gradually regenerates, but if the heat damages the deeper corneal stroma layer beyond the epithelium, it can cause various aftereffects or permanent vision impairment.

Japanese cuisine must also be viewed while wearing protective equipment.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, medical professionals and astronomers in the U.S. also repeatedly urged people not to look directly at the sun with the naked eye. In particular, the American Astronomical Society issued a statement warning, "Be cautious as counterfeit and fake viewing glasses are being sold on the market." Some e-commerce applications such as Ali and Temu are reported to have sold low-cost counterfeit viewing glasses made in China.

Meanwhile, the North American total solar eclipse began off the west coast of Mexico that day, crossed 13 states from Texas to northeastern Maine in the U.S., and then moved into Canada. Although the total eclipse lasted only about four minutes, millions of Americans undertook a "continental migration" to witness this brief cosmic show.