Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the eyes, leading to a condition called solar retinopathy, which can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment. Symptoms generally begin occurring 12 hours after viewing the eclipse, when people wake up in the morning and notice their vision has been altered. These symptoms include loss of central vision, distorted vision, altered colors, and a center spot in their vision that is intensely blurred. However, damage from the eclipse is unlikely to cause pain or discomfort in the eyes because the retina does not have any pain nerves. If you are concerned that you may have sustained damage, it is important to see an ophthalmologist who can take a scan of the eye to see the extent of any damage. Many people recover after three to six months, but some will suffer from permanent vision loss, in the form of a small blind spot and distortion.

It is always best to avoid viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as this may cause issues such as “eclipse blindness” or even destroy cells in the back of the eye. If a person experiences dry eyes or eye pain after viewing an eclipse, it may be due to exposure to direct, intense sunlight, which can cause damage to the outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea, leading to a condition called solar keratitis, also known as UV keratitis.

In summary, looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the eyes, leading to temporary or permanent vision impairment. Symptoms generally begin occurring 12 hours after viewing the eclipse, and it is important to see an ophthalmologist if you are concerned that you may have sustained damage. It is always best to avoid viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection.