The vision-related dangers of the eclipse were widely publicized in the media, and the Department of Health and Social Services decided to monitor the situation closely. He reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to the solar eclipse of April 8.
The damage listed is varied, including keratitis, that is to say a disease which presents itself in the form of inflammation of the cornea, cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca which results in dry eyes as well as cases of solar retinopathy, that DD Cynthia Qian, an ophthalmologist specializing in retinas, described it to The Canadian Press as a permanent burn in the retina.
This is the first time that the Health Monitoring Directorate of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has set up a watch for eye injuries linked to a solar eclipse. She monitors various indicators in collaboration with the Order of Optometrists of Quebec, which reports in particular on patients presenting to optometry clinics in connection with the eclipse.
According to the most recent data from the ministry, as of April 17, 28 cases of eye damage linked to the eclipse have been confirmed by optometrists via the declaration form. However, the number of cases may be underestimated, says the ministry, since the data collected by optometry clinics is on a voluntary basis and there may be a delay in reporting cases.
Additionally, patients who believe they may have suffered eye damage from observing the eclipse do not necessarily present to optometry clinics.
Furthermore, the ministry is still working to analyze the impact of the eclipse on emergency room consultations.
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