Incidence of Solar Retinopathy and Photokeratitis in US Emergency Departments Surrounding the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

TL;DR

This study examined eye-related emergency visits before and after the 2024 solar eclipse in the US and found no significant increase in injuries, suggesting public education on safe viewing was effective.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that public health campaigns may have mitigated eclipse-related eye injuries.

Findings

There were 1,774 total ED visits for eye injuries, with no significant difference before and after the eclipse.

No statistically significant increase in ocular pain or photokeratitis was observed after the eclipse.

Public education efforts appear to have been effective in preventing a surge in eclipse-related eye injuries.

Abstract

Viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can lead to ocular injuries such as solar retinopathy or photokeratitis. The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse in the southern and eastern United States presented a rare opportunity to assess the public health impact of such events on eye-related emergency department (ED) visits.

We identified a total of 1,774 ED visits for eye injuries across both periods. There were 853 visits before the eclipse and 921 visits after, showing no statistically significant difference (X2 = 1.432, P > .05) between the two time periods.

We identified a total of 1,774 ED visits for eye injuries across both periods. There were 853 visits before the eclipse and 921 visits after. The chi-square statistic (X2 = 1.432, degree of freedom = 1, P > .05) indicated no statistically significant difference in the incidence of eye injuries between the two time periods.

Despite concerns regarding eclipse-related eye injuries, we found no statistically significant increase in ED visits for ocular pain or photokeratitis following the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. These results suggest that public education campaigns promoting safe eclipse viewing may have been effective. Ongoing efforts are warranted to continue promoting ocular safety during future eclipses.