Dozens of Quebecers reported experiencing eye symptoms like burning eyes or blurred vision after watching the April 8 total eclipse.
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“There is a record number of calls for people who need to see an optometrist for certain symptoms,” summarizes Jade Pauzé, director of operations for the Doyle chain of optometrists and opticians.
Ben Pelosse / JdeM
The latter, which has 25 establishments across Quebec, has received, since the solar eclipse on Monday afternoon, more than a hundred calls for symptoms that people associate with the astronomical phenomenon.
“We’re talking about burning eyes, blurred vision, little flashes of light,” describes M.me Pauzé.
Although some of these people primarily had questions and a need for reassurance, around fifty of them still made an appointment to have their vision examined.
- Listen to the press review commented by Alexandre Dubé via QUB :
Urgences-santé indicated for its part that it had received four calls from people who reported having “blurred vision” who were redirected to 811.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services was unable Monday to say how many 811 calls received related to the eclipse in the province.
However, the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre indicated that 11 calls were reported relating to eye symptoms throughout Montérégie, of which 10 were requests for information.
No burned retina
“As soon as we feel that the person wants to be seen to be reassured, we can make an appointment,” explains optometrist Karl Brousseau, director of clinical services at Doyle.
Charles Brousseau
Photo Ben Pelosse
He nevertheless believes that “the vast majority” of these people were inconvenienced in a “minor” way.
A solar eclipse poses a risk of permanent injury to the retina, especially just before and after the total phase. The few remaining rays of sunlight can then be damaging if viewed without protection, even if they are not dazzling.
Those who use telescopes or “any magnifying system” are more exposed to this injury, underlines Jean-Marie Hanssens, associate professor at the school of optometry at the University of Montreal.
“Symptoms directly linked to a retinal burn, I am not aware of that to date,” however specified Mr. Brousseau.
Several CIUSSS and the CISSS in the regions where the total eclipse took place also stated that they had not had any visits to the emergency room for ocular symptoms.
Vigil in progress
The Order of Optometrists has also set up a watch with Quebec Public Health to document cases of eye injuries.
A literature review produced by the Order highlighted that secondary eye damage linked to eclipses is relatively rare, but probably underestimated. A study documented 253 cases among 30 to 50 million observers in France during the 1999 eclipse.
“For anything that is abnormal and persists. You can consult an ophthalmologist, but the simplest remains the optometrist, because it is the first list and the most easily accessible,” concludes Professor Hanssens.
What are the symptoms to watch for?
- A black spot
- A blurred vision
- A distortion in the center of vision
- If one or more of these symptoms persist, you should consult
Source: Jean-Marie Hanssens, associate professor at the school of optometry at the University of Montreal