what you need to know
- The total solar eclipse of April 8 has passed, and people have captured the scene with their eyes and cameras.
- However, it wasn’t all plain sailing – Google searches for “my eyes hurt” and similar topics spiked after the eclipse.
- Google Trends data records these spikes in a similar pattern to the last solar eclipse.
The last total solar eclipse that covered the continental United States occurred and ended earlier today (April 8), resulting in numerous reports of sore eyes. We all know it’s not a good idea to look directly at the sun, but the rules change a little during a solar eclipse. With the right eye protection (special eclipse glasses) and a little caution, you should be able to view a total solar eclipse safely. However, as Google Trends data shows, that’s not the case for everyone.
Starting at 1 p.m. ET, there was a huge increase in searches for “my eyes hurt” on Google. Search volume peaked around 3:20 p.m. ET, easily four times last year’s average. These times coincide with the eclipse’s spread over the continental United States, starting in the far south of the country and continuing through Canada. Similar search topics including “Why does a solar eclipse hurt your eyes?” and “Why do my eyes keep watering?” also spiked after the solar eclipse.
By state, Vermont, West Virginia, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana had the highest search volume. Of these states, only one (West Virginia) is not at least partially within the path of totality. However, keep in mind that the top states are constantly changing as Google Trends data evolves.
Why do people search for “my eyes hurt” after a total solar eclipse? This may be due to a lack of understanding of when and how to safely observe this phenomenon. According to the National Solar Observatory (NSO), you can view the sun without goggles only during a total solar eclipse, when it occurs. Even if only one percent of the sun is visible, it’s not complete, which can damage your eyes. Furthermore, totality lasts only a short time.
“During totality you may be viewing the sun without appropriate eye protection such as sunglasses,” the ONS explains. “But during all other phases of a solar eclipse you should only do so if your eyes are protected Look at the sun.”
Separately, a last-minute recall revealed that some solar eclipse protective glasses “may not meet safety standards.” They were sold on Amazon, which means people may have unknowingly purchased them in multiple states, believing the glasses were protective. Using sunglasses or any other defective eclipse eyewear will not protect you from the sun and may cause eye pain.
Hopefully you were able to experience the eclipse without any eye pain, and maybe get some gross-out photos. If you do suffer from persistent eye pain, it’s best to consult a medical professional rather than Google.