Topline
Experiencing headaches or blurred vision after today’s solar eclipse might not be uncommon. Following the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, across North America, Google searches for “eyes hurt” spiked as many people sought information online after viewing the eclipse without using certified safe solar eclipse glasses. Will a similar trend follow today’s solar eclipse across parts of Europe, which is a partial solar eclipse visible across Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America?
Today, Wednesday, Aug. 12, is expected to see a rise in online searches for “my eyes hurt” as a solar eclipse is visible in parts of North America, Europe, and North Africa.
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Key Facts
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Alaska, 26 U.S. states, and every Canadian province and territory. Northern Maine will witness the deepest eclipse in the contiguous U.S., with the moon covering up to 28% of the sun, as reported by Timeanddate.com.
It is crucial not to use ordinary sunglasses to view the sun directly. Viewers of the partial solar eclipse must wear ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses at all times, according to NASA. Binoculars, cameras, and telescopes should have solar filters properly attached to the front. Counterfeit or damaged eclipse glasses may not provide adequate protection.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, solar retinopathy, which is retinal damage from looking at the sun, is typically painless. Symptoms might not be evident until hours or even days later.
If you notice changes in your vision following the eclipse, seek medical advice. Symptoms like blurred vision, blind spots, distorted images, or heightened light sensitivity could indicate solar retinopathy and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. There is currently no proven treatment for this condition.
Google Searches Spike After The Eclipse
Data from the 2024 total solar eclipse showed a significant rise in searches for terms like “eyes hurt” immediately following the event. This suggests that many sought information after viewing the eclipse, potentially without adequate eye protection. This trend highlights that symptoms of solar retinopathy might not appear instantly, leading people to search for answers hours later.
A peer-reviewed study published in Eye noted that Google searches for “my eyes hurt” became a trending topic in the U.S. around 3 p.m. Eastern Time on April 8, 2024, coinciding with the start of the total solar eclipse. Most search activity originated from states along the path of totality, indicating many were seeking information post-eclipse.
The authors observed that most patients showed recovery over several months — some experiencing central blind spots that persisted for seven to 21 months before resolving.
Where The Partial Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across 26 U.S. states, with varying visibility depending on location. While much of the country will see only a small “bite” taken out of the sun, viewers in Alaska and the northeastern U.S. will experience the most significant partial eclipse.
The eclipse becomes notably impressive when approximately 10% of the sun is obscured. Alaska, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and parts of New York are among the prime locations to watch. Fairbanks, Alaska, will see the deepest eclipse in the U.S., with up to 37% of the sun covered, while New York City will be near the 10% mark.
Where The Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible
As some North Americans witness a partial solar eclipse, others will experience a total solar eclipse. The moon’s umbral shadow will cross an 180-mile-wide path of totality over eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. In these areas, daylight will briefly dim to twilight, and the sun’s corona will be visible around the moon for up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. This brief period of totality is the only time it’s safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye. There is often confusion about the path of totality’s location. Many first-time eclipse watchers do not realize that it is safe to remove eclipse glasses solely during totality — and only if they are within the path.
