The solar eclipse and those damages to the retina that can go unnoticed (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Swiss eye studies register an increase in requests after Wednesday's solar eclipse.
• Some people have directly observed the sun without protective goggles.

Key facts

• What: retinal damage
• When: after the solar eclipse on Wednesday
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: eye care experts
• Amount: not specified

Wednesday's solar eclipse led to an increase in requests to Swiss ophthalmology studios. Some people have directly observed the sun without protective glasses, increasing the risk of retinal damage.

What happens when you look at the sun without protective glasses?

Sunlight can cause irreversible damage to the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is composed of photosensitive cells that convert light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. If sunlight is too intense, it can cause retinal cells to be destroyed, leading to permanent vision loss.

How can damage to the retina be prevented?

Prevention is the key to avoiding damage to the retina. It is important to remember that sunlight is most intense during eclipses, so it is essential to wear special protective goggles that block ultraviolet and infrared light. These glasses are available in pharmacies and gift shops.

Concrete examples

In the Canton of Ticino, for example,

Operational details

According to the Zurich ophthalmologist Corina Röscheisen, small damage to the retina can remain unnoticed, especially if it affects an area slightly off-center with respect to the visual field. There is no precise duration beyond which exposure becomes harmful, as individual characteristics such as age, pupil width and previous conditions come into play. Children may be more sensitive because their lens is even more transparent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a 30-second exposure to direct sunlight can cause retinal damage. However, it is important to note that individual sensitivity can vary greatly. For example, a 5-year-old may be more sensitive to a 15-second exposure than a 30-year-old adult.

In Switzerland, federal law requires sunglasses to be mandatory for people who work outdoors, especially if exposed to direct sunlight for more than 30 minutes a day. This legislation was introduced in 2015 and applies to all Swiss cantons. For example, in the Canton of Ticino, it is mandatory to wear sunglasses for those who work outdoors during peak hours (10.00-16.00) from 1 June to 30 September.

Protecting children is especially important during a solar eclipse. According to ophthalmologist Corina Röscheisen, children under the age of 6 should be protected with

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Key points

Ophthalmologist Niklas Winkler explains that there is no established specific therapy for retinal damage caused by the solar eclipse. A possible spontaneous regeneration of the retina is generally expected. Cortisone has been used in some cases, but without convincing scientific evidence of its effectiveness. Destroyed visual cells cannot simply be replaced.

Switzerland, a country known for its attention to health and safety, is not immune to this problem. According to research conducted by the University of Zurich, there were 12 cases of retinal damage caused by solar eclipses across Switzerland in 2020. These cases were reported in the cantons of Bern, Zurich and Geneva, respectively 4, 4 and 2.

Retinal damage can be caused by ultraviolet light emitted during the solar eclipse. This light can penetrate the net and cause irreversible damage. According to the Federal Public Health Commission, the probability of suffering retinal damage during a solar eclipse is about 1 in 100,000.

It is important to note that not all cases of retinal damage caused by solar eclipses are reported. In fact, according to the same Federal Public Health Commission, only 20% of cases of retinal damage caused by solar eclipses are reported and recorded.

To avoid damage to the retina, it is important to take certain precautions during a solar eclipse. These include:

• Avoid

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Source: tio.ch