Topline
If today’s solar eclipse has left you with headaches or blurred vision, you’re probably not alone. Following the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse across North America, Google searches for “eyes hurt” surged as thousands of people looked online for answers after viewing the sun without certified safe solar eclipse glasses. Will the same occur after today’s total solar eclipse across parts of Europe, which is a partial solar eclipse across Europe, North Africa and parts of North America?
Key Facts
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Alaska, 26 U.S. states and every Canadian province and territory on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The deepest eclipse in the contiguous U.S. will be seen from northern Maine, where the moon will cover up to 28% of the sun, according to Timeanddate.com.
Ordinary sunglasses should never be used to look directly at the sun. Anyone watching any part of the partial solar eclipse must wear ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses at all times, according to NASA. Binoculars, cameras and telescopes must have solar filters securely fitted over the front of the optics. Counterfeit or damaged solar eclipse glasses may not be safe.
Solar retinopathy — retinal damage as a result of viewing the sun, according to Cleveland Clinic — is typically painless. Symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after looking at the sun.
If your vision changes after the eclipse, seek medical advice. Blurred vision, blind spots, distorted images or increased light sensitivity could be signs of solar retinopathy — and should be assessed by an ophthalmologist. There is currently no proven treatment for solar retinopathy.
Google Searches Spike After The Eclipse
Search data from the 2024 total solar eclipse revealed a sharp increase in searches for terms including “eyes hurt” immediately after the event, suggesting many people sought information after viewing the eclipse, possibly without proper eye protection. The trend serves as a reminder that symptoms of solar retinopathy may not appear immediately, prompting people to search for answers hours after the event.
A peer-reviewed analysis published in Eye found that Google searches for “my eyes hurt” became a trending search in the United States at approximately 3 p.m. Eastern Time on April 8, 2024 — almost exactly when the total solar eclipse began. The highest search activity came from states along the path of totality, suggesting many people sought information after viewing the eclipse.
The authors noted that most patients recovered over several months — some from central blind spots that lasted seven to 21 months before eventually resolving.
Where The Partial Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across 26 U.S. states on Wednesday, Aug. 12, although the spectacle will vary considerably depending on location. While much of the country will see only a slight “bite” taken out of the sun, observers in Alaska and the northeastern U.S. will enjoy the deepest partial eclipse.
Generally, the eclipse becomes noticeably impressive once around 10% of the sun is obscured, making Alaska, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and parts of New York among the best places to watch. Fairbanks, Alaska will experience the deepest eclipse in the U.S., with up to 37% of the sun covered, while New York City sits close to the 10% threshold.
Where The Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible
While some North Americans see a partial solar eclipse, other viewers will experience a total solar eclipse. From an 180-mile-wide path of totality across eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain, the moon’s umbral shadow will touch Earth. In those places, day will briefly turn to twilight and, in a clear sky, the sun’s corona will become visible around the moon for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds. The short period of totality is the only time it’s safe to look with the naked eye. There is often confusion surrounding the location of the path of totality. Many first-time eclipse viewers don’t understand that it’s only safe to remove eclipse glasses during totality — and only if you’re actually inside its path.