Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse

By Staff The Canadian Press

Posted April 22, 2024 1:28 pm

1 min read

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Click to play video: 'Don’t throw away those eclipse glasses' — RELATED: It was a mesmerizing event that captured attention of all Quebecers. But now that the total solar eclipse has come and gone, some people want to make sure to give those eclipse glasses another life. A Montreal-area school has plans to collect and donate them, and they're encouraging others to do the same. Felicia Parrillo explains – Apr 9, 2024

Quebec’s Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.

The 28 cases reported as of April 17 include inflammation of the cornea, dry eyes and solar retinopathy, which is a permanent burn to the retina.

The path of totality — where the sun is completely covered by the moon, resulting in a period of darkness — crossed through the regions of Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

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In anticipation of the astronomical event, officials advised people to wear certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage when looking directly at the sun, and Quebec’s Health Department set up a system to monitor for eye injuries, in collaboration with the province’s order of optometrists.

The province says that since the data was collected voluntarily by optometrists, there may be delays in reporting and the 28 cases might understate the true number.