Following the recent solar eclipse, Google recorded a significant increase in searches for the term “my eyes hurt”. This trend was particularly pronounced in the United States, where the celestial event had wide visibility.
What happened: As noted by 9to5Google, the solar eclipse that passed across North America resulted in a sharp increase in Google searches for “my eyes hurt.” This trend peaked around 2:30-3pm ET, aligning with the eclipse’s maximum visibility in major parts of the country.
Searches began to decline around 4pm as the eclipse ended for most of the United States. However, search volume remained above average. A similar pattern was observed in August 2017, during the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States.
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The top five states contributing to this search trend were New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Indiana and Rhode Island. Notably, West Virginia and Rhode Island were not directly in the path of the eclipse.
The increase in research is linked to the potential harm caused by viewing a solar eclipse without adequate eye protection. Even when the sun is 95% obscured, direct viewing can cause serious eye damage. The availability of counterfeit sun glasses on the market has also raised concerns.
Experts recommend seeking medical attention if you experience eye pain after viewing the eclipse without sufficient protection.
Because matter: A solar eclipse has swept across the United States, with those within a 115-mile path experiencing a total solar eclipse.
Doctors and experts have always recommended not looking directly at the eclipse, a mistake made by former President Trump.
Staring at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause eye damage. Neither solar ultraviolet rays nor infrared radiation have a safe threshold.
The increase in “my eyes hurt” searches after the eclipse highlights the importance of this advice. It seems that many people did not follow it or accidentally exposed themselves to the eclipse.
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Photo via Shutterstock
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