Searches for eye pain jumped sharply after the UK's solar eclipse, with Google queries for "eyes hurt" rising over 800% in 24 hours. Despite repeated warnings to use certified eclipse glasses, many viewers lacked proper protection after supplies sold out. NHS England had no national attendance figures early Thursday, while Moorfields Eye Hospital reported a small number of non-serious cases. Experts reminded the public that even a split second of direct sun exposure can cause permanent eye damage.
Eye Pain Searches Surge Over 800% After UK Solar Eclipse — Experts Warn Against Looking at the Sun
People were warned not to look directly at the Sun unless wearing certified protective glasses - Martyn Wheatley/i-Images
Internet searches about eye pain spiked sharply in the hours after Wednesday's once-in-a-generation solar eclipse, with Google queries in the UK for phrases like "eyes hurt" rising by more than 800% in 24 hours.
What Happened
The rise in online searches followed widespread public warnings not to look directly at the Sun unless wearing certified eclipse viewing glasses. Millions were urged to use approved protection, but many viewers were unable to obtain glasses: opticians, specialist retailers, Amazon and the Royal Observatory reported supplies selling out, and hundreds queued to buy remaining stock.
Health Service Reports
On Thursday morning, NHS England said it did not yet have nationwide figures on how many people presented to hospitals or rang the 111 helpline after the eclipse. Moorfields Eye Hospital confirmed a small number of patients attended in the hours after the event but said none were recorded as suffering anything serious.
Wednesday's event was the closest the UK has come to a total eclipse since 1999 - Paul Grover for The Telegraph
Symptoms Reported
Social media users who looked at the eclipse without proper protection described temporary visual disturbances, reporting dark or, in some cases, green spots and headaches that took hours to fade. Experts continue to caution that even a brief glance at the Sun can cause lasting damage to the eyes.
Context and Historical Note
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun's light. Wednesday's event was the closest the UK has come to a total eclipse since 1999. After that eclipse, about 70 cases of eye damage were reported, prompting a public health campaign at the time.
How To Protect Your Eyes
Do not use ordinary sunglasses to view an eclipse — they do not offer sufficient protection. Only certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters should be used to look at the Sun directly. Safer indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector, can also be used. If you experience persistent vision changes, new spots, pain or other worrying symptoms, seek medical advice promptly or contact NHS 111 for guidance.
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