The dangers of looking directly at the solar eclipse to vision have been widely reported in the media, and Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services decided to monitor the situation closely.
It has reported 28 cases of eye damage linked to the April 8 solar eclipse.
A wide range of damage has been reported, including keratitis (an inflammation of the cornea), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and solar retinopathy, described to The Canadian Press by ophthalmologist and retina specialist Dr Cynthia Qian as a permanent burn on the retina.
This is the first time that the Health Ministry has set up a health watch for eye injuries linked to a solar eclipse. It is monitoring various indicators in collaboration with the Quebec Order of Optomitrists, which is reporting the number of patients attending optometry clinics in connection with the eclipse to the ministry.
According to the ministry’s most recent data, as of April 17, 28 cases of eclipse-related eye damage had been confirmed by optometrists using the declaration form.
However, the number of cases may be underestimated, the ministry says, since the data collected by optometry clinics is voluntary and there may be a delay in reporting cases.
In addition, patients who think they have suffered eye damage while watching the eclipse do not necessarily go to optometry clinics.
The ministry is also still analyzing the impact of the eclipse on emergency consultations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 22, 2024.
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