Idiots across UK complain of ‘agonising’ eye pain & dozens turn up at A&E after staring at solar eclipse without glasses

FOOLISH Brits have complained of “agonising” pain and rocked up at A&E across the UK after staring at the solar eclipse without glasses. Google searches for “eye damage” and “eye hurt” spiked last night as millions watched the once-in-a-generation celestial event. Foolish Brits have complained of ‘agonising’ pain after staring at the eclipse without glasses Credit: Alamy Parks and beaches across the country were packed with excited viewers Credit: Getty Parks and beaches across the country were packed with excited viewers who were desperate to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. In the build-up to the rare event, last seen in 1999, experts issued stark warnings not to look directly at the Sun. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Most canny viewers came prepared with colanders or modified cereal boxes to track the progress of the moon. But others, who failed to get their hands on sun-safe glasses, have since complained about eye pain after staring at the lunar sensation. Searches relating to eye pain have skyrocketed overnight Credit: X Google searches for ‘eye damage’ and ‘eye hurt’ also spiked Credit: X Google searches for the term “eyes hurt” was up 5,000 per cent last night compared to the same time last year. And “eye damage” searches also skyrocketed by 700 per cent in the aftermath of the solar phenomenon. Meanwhile, “eclipse eye injury” was also spiking on Google. Some took to social media as they shared worrying symptoms, including blurred vision and a “reddish hue” in their eyesight. Most read in Tech 7 symptoms of eye damage after looking directly at the Sun The following symptoms can be early signs of solar retinopathy (retina damage caused by the Sun): Eye pain Redness Grittiness or irritation Blurred vision Distorted vision New dark spots in your vision Sudden changes in sight If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek urgent medical attention. One wrote: “Watched the eclipse without glasses and filmed it through my phone lens “I’m now blind as a bat, phones f****d and has to go in the bin.” Another said: “Babe I did exact same thing. “Saw stars in my eyes for 20 mins. I read don’t look directly at it so I did exactly that.” Most canny viewers came prepared with colanders or modified cereal boxes Credit: Alamy Experts issued stark warnings not to look directly at the Sun Credit: Alamy And a third penned: “I been staring at it on and off for 20mins…my phone screen yellow.” Dozens have rushed to hospitals after reporting vision issues, according to Gordon Hay, clinical director A&E at Moorfields Eye Hospital. He said: “We have had less than 30 people either attend our A&E or use our Attend Anywhere A&E video consultation service by 9am today.” However, the numbers reported by Moorfields represent just a fraction of the true figure across the country. Up to 95 per cent of the Sun was obscured by the moon in certain parts of the country as the eclipse peaked at around 7pm. Most shops sold out of solar eclipse glasses as Brits raced to get ready for the rare phenomenon. Experts say looking directly at the Sun can damage the retina without causing pain, so you may not realise anything is wrong until it is too late. Mohamed Elalfy, president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, explained what can happen to your eyes if you don’t wear eclipse glasses. He said: “The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast. “Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision. “Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens. “Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light. “While some people recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.” 2 comments2