Google searches for eye damage peaked around the last solar eclipse in 2017
Don’t look up (without eye protection).
A rare total solar eclipse is happening across the US Monday, April 8. That means lots of traffic, tourism, and Google searches for eye damage.
In the days after the last total eclipse in August 2017, optometrists saw a surge in people coming in complaining of blurred vision and other eye problems. Lots of people, apparently, asked Google, which had its highest level of searches for eye damage on record that month.
And yes, looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse (outside totality) and with anything but approved glasses, can cause terrible eye damage. Ask the woman who had the eclipse etched on her retina during the last solar eclipse in 2017.
According to the American Optometric Association, “A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses or viewers for a brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.” That means you have to be in the path of totality and you’d better have reputable glasses on before and after.
And if after this eclipse you start experiencing altered vision or loss of vision, go to a doctor, not Google.
