MONTREAL — The Association des médecins ophtalmologistes du Québec (AMOQ) has confirmed three cases of retinal burns and three other cases of corneal burns following the total solar eclipse in April. Fortunately, no one lost their sight as a result of this natural phenomenon.
The three individuals with retinal burns have retained “good vision,” stated Dr. Cynthia Qian, spokesperson for the AMOQ and a retinal specialist at CHU Sainte-Justine and Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Their vision tests are near normal. However, further examinations reveal “the passage of the sun’s rays on the retina.”
“How this physical trace will evolve in the next six months to a year, time will really tell,” said Dr. Qian.
She clarified that these cases have not progressed to blindness. Severe cases are quite rare. Sustained staring at the eclipse without proper protection is required for severe blindness to occur.
The association recorded a total of 18 eclipse-related consultations. These patients, whose average age was 38, included children. The most common symptoms were eye pain or discomfort and blurred vision.
Dr. Qian stated that the association did not have a specific number of anticipated cases.
She highlighted that during the 2017 solar eclipse in the United States, nearly 100 individuals across several states sustained eye damage.
Given the American data, “it’s still a small number,” says Dr. Qian. She pointed out that a significant portion of Quebecers have experienced reversible vision changes. “It’s still encouraging (…) but it’s certain that there are still people who have had symptoms with a lot of pain or who have had changes at the retinal level that will leave a physically permanent trace,” she said.
In some reported cases, the problem has already been resolved. “Those who had problems with the surface of the eye or problems with corneal burns related to the solar eclipse, these are things that can be cured,” explains the retinal specialist.
Among the 18 patients, 40% admitted they did not wear certified glasses to observe the phenomenon. This statistic is particularly significant in terms of prevention for Dr. Qian.
Patients admitted they did not wear glasses because they were unaware of the safety requirement or because glasses were no longer available. “So we see that there were still people who escaped the information. (…) I think that it says that public efforts help, but that if such an event ever comes back, we must repeat the message once more.”
The next total solar eclipse visible from Canada will occur on August 22, 2044. It will be total in part of western Canada and partial in Quebec.
AMOQ data indicates three other suspected cases of corneal burns, but these have not been confirmed.
The association gathered its data through a survey of 350 ophthalmologists in Quebec. Approximately 20 of them confirmed having treated eclipse-related cases by voluntarily responding to the survey between April 9 and 24.
Another ophthalmologist subsequently reviewed these cases to confirm their link to the eclipse. This is the first time the AMOQ has requested its members to provide evidence for the cases they report in a survey.
The association recognizes that the data might be an underestimation but believes the low number of cases demonstrates the success of the awareness campaign launched leading up to the April 8 eclipse.
According to Dr. Qian, these efforts have “helped reduce eye damage among the population.”
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Montreal Solar Eclipse: 6 Cases of Eye Injuries but No Blindness
A recent total solar eclipse in April brought regarding a spectacular celestial event, but also a reminder of the potential dangers of viewing such an event without proper eye protection. The Association des médecins ophtalmologistes du Québec (AMOQ) has confirmed **six cases of eye injuries following the eclipse**: * three cases of retinal burns and three other cases of corneal burns*.
Fortunately, there were no reported cases of blindness. In the cases of retinal burns, patients are maintaining “good vision,” according to Dr. Cynthia Qian, spokesperson for the AMOQ and ophthalmologist specializing in retina at CHU Sainte-Justine and Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. These patients have scores close to normal during vision tests. However, further examinations reveal “the passage of the sun’s rays on the retina.”
The Impact of Sunlight on the Retina
Dr. Qian emphasized that while the current vision of these patients is good, it is too early to determine the long-term impact of the solar burn.
“How this physical trace will evolve in the next six months to a year, time will really tell,” she said. The AMOQ emphasizes that severe blindness in such cases is extremely rare. It would require sustained staring at the eclipse without adequate protection.
A Reminder of Eclipse Safety Measures
The AMOQ conducted a survey of 350 ophthalmologists across Quebec. Out of that number, 20 reported having treated eclipse-related eye injuries, resulting in 18 consultations. The average age of these patients was 38, including children. The most common symptoms reported were eye pain or discomfort, and blurred vision.
Key Findings from the AMOQ Survey
- 40% of patients admitted to not wearing certified eclipse glasses.
- Reasons for not wearing certified glasses included lack of awareness of the necessity and unavailability.
A Look at the Future: Preparing for the Next Eclipse
The AMOQ believes the small number of cases is evidence of the success of the awareness campaign leading up to the April 8th eclipse. Dr. Qian noted the effectiveness of public outreach in “helping reduce eye damage among the population.”
However, she also cautioned that future eclipses will require renewed efforts at public education and safety measures. “We must repeat the message once more,” she said, referring to the next total solar eclipse visible from Canada, which will occur on August 22, 2044. This eclipse will be total in parts of western Canada and partial in Quebec.
Data Collection and Analysis
The AMOQ implemented a new system for collecting data, asking ophthalmologists to provide evidence supporting their reported cases of eclipse-related eye injuries. This detailed approach helped ensure greater accuracy in the reporting.
The AMOQ acknowledges that the data gathered might be an underestimate of the actual number of cases. However, even with this possibility, the low number of reported cases demonstrates the effectiveness of public health messaging in promoting eclipse safety.
The Importance of Eye Protection
The AMOQ continues to emphasize the importance of wearing certified eclipse glasses to view a solar eclipse. These glasses are specifically designed to filter out harmful radiation from the sun, protecting the eyes. Without proper eye protection, the strong sunlight can damage the retina, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.
In the United States, during the 2017 total solar eclipse, nearly 100 people across several states experienced eye damage. These numbers highlight the importance of taking precautions when viewing eclipses.
Essential Precautions
Here are some vital tips to protect your vision during a solar eclipse.
- **Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.** Direct sunlight, even during a partial eclipse, can cause serious eye damage.
- **Only use certified eclipse glasses.** These glasses are specially designed to filter out harmful solar radiation and are available from reputable retailers.
- **Inspect certified eclipse glasses before use.** Ensure they are free of scratches, tears, or any damage.
- **Never use regular sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes to view the eclipse.** The intensity of the sun’s rays can damage your eyes even with these items.
- **Supervise children carefully.** Ensure they wear certified eye protection and are aware of the dangers of looking directly at the sun.
Remember: Eye Health is Paramount
While the recent eclipse presented a breathtaking spectacle, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of our eyes. Always remember that a few minutes of looking directly at the sun without proper protection can have lasting consequences. By taking precautions and following expert guidance, we can protect our vision and enjoy these phenomenal celestial events safely.
