The visibility-related dangers of the eclipse were widely publicized in the media, and the Department of Health and Human Services decided to closely monitor the situation. He reports 28 cases of eye damage related to the April 8 solar eclipse.
The damage listed is varied and includes keratitis, a disease that manifests itself as inflammation of the cornea, cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which causes dry eyes, and cases of solar retinopathy, which causes DD Cynthia Qian, an ophthalmologist who specializes in retina, described it to The Canadian Press as a permanent burn of the retina.
This is the first time the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Department of Health and Human Services has established surveillance for solar eclipse-related eye injuries. It monitors various indicators in collaboration with the Order of Optometrists of Quebec, which reports in particular on patients presenting to optometry clinics in connection with the solar eclipse.
According to the ministry's latest data, as of April 17, 28 cases of eclipse-related eye damage were confirmed by opticians via the reporting form. However, the ministry said the number of cases could be underestimated because data collection by optometry clinics is on a voluntary basis and there could be delays in reporting cases.
Additionally, patients who believe they may have suffered eye damage from observing the eclipse do not necessarily come to optometry clinics.
In addition, the ministry is still working to analyze the impact of the eclipse on emergency room consultations.
The Canadian Press health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial selection.
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