After the total solar eclipse earlier this month on April 8, Quebec's Health Ministry reported 28 cases of eye damage. These cases included conditions such as keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, and solar retinopathy.
The ministry noted that the actual number of cases might be higher due to two main factors: Firstly, data collection was voluntary among optometry clinics, potentially leading to underreporting. Secondly, there may have been delays in reporting cases.
This marks the first time that the Quebec Health Ministry has monitored eye injuries specifically related to a solar eclipse.
It's important to note that viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious harm to the eyes. Ensuring safe viewing practices, such as using approved solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods, is crucial to prevent such injuries in future events.
