"Spotting Solar Eclipse Eye Damage: Symptoms and Safe Viewing Tips"

Staring at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can lead to solar retinopathy or "eclipse blindness," causing symptoms such as blurry vision, blind spots, and sensitivity to light. While eye injuries are rare, they can result in permanent central vision loss, and visual symptoms may not be immediately noticeable. There is no treatment for solar retinopathy, so it's crucial to visit an ophthalmologist for assessment. While many may recover in three to six months, permanent vision loss is a possibility, as evidenced by cases of individuals experiencing irreversible eye damage after viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection.