West J Emerg Med. 2026 Jan 9;27(1):159-162. doi: 10.5811/westjem.47187.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: 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.
METHODS: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSION: 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.
PMID:41554171 | DOI:10.5811/westjem.47187
