Looking at the sun can cause burns to the retina. The UK Department of Health's advice at the time of the eclipse was to use an indirect method of looking at the sun, such as a pinhole viewer, or watch the eclipse on television. Gazing at the sun at any time can cause permanent visual disturbance or blind spots.

Samuel Wong and colleagues from the Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK, studied patients at the eye casualty unit of the hospital after they had observed the solar eclipse. Forty-five patients attended within 9 days after the eclipse.

The patients' symptoms, viewing period, and method of viewing were recorded, together with details of any medication they were taking. Their eyes were examined, and the position of any blind spots were noted.

Of the 45 patients, 5 had no symptoms or signs, and were reassured. Of the remaining 40 patients, 20 had discomfort only and 20 had visual disturbances. Longer periods of viewing were associated with worse symptoms and greater changes within the eye. Four patients had symptoms despite having used eclipse viewers, and 5 patients had reduced central vision.

Three patients returned after 3 months and reported seeing a faint yellow dot in their central vision, especially in dim light. A further 4 patients who were interviewed by telephone after 7 months also reported a faint crescent-shaped shadow in their central vision.

The researchers conclude that contrary to popular belief, people who look directly at an eclipse are not totally blinded. However, the damage done to the eye may be severe enough to affect some daily activities.

A further finding was that the visual impairment at the initial hospital visit was not as great as in some previous studies.

Dr. T. Eke of the Leicester Royal Infirmary comments that, "These results are probably thanks to the media warnings about potential blindness. Many people have suffered a severe permanent loss of central vision after looking at the sun. The only 'guaranteed safe' method of observing solar phenomena is to use an indirect method such as a pinhole projection system." (Quote by telephone; does not appear in published paper.)

[Contact: Dr. T. Eke]

18-Jan-2001