Viewing Solar Eclipse with Naked Eyes Caused Vision Loss in 15 Indians

Watching a solar eclipse is a great experience, but looking directly at the sun with naked eyes can severely burn your retina. Nearly 15 youth in India have lost their vision by looking at the December solar eclipse with naked eyes.

The vision of 15 youngsters, aged 10-20 years, were affected due to watching the December 26 solar eclipse with naked eyes, said Kamlesh Khilnani, head of the ophthalmology department at SMS Hospital, here.

‘After watching the December solar eclipse with naked eyes, 15 Indian youths suffer vision loss.’

They were being treated at the hospital OPD, he said and added, their normal vision was unlikely to be restored.

"Watching solar eclipse with naked eyes can result in solar retinitis. 15 such cases have been reported at the hospital. Our examination has found that a part of their retina had been burnt," he said.

He said such illness is treated by giving supportive treatment and it takes 3-6 weeks for the patient to recover partially.

Source: IANS