Couldn't resist the temptation and look at the eclipse? Here's how to know if her vision has been affected!

The recent solar eclipse which happened last Saturday (14) was visible in several parts of Brazil and attracted the attention of thousands of people.

Despite numerous warnings that you should not look directly at the Sun During the phenomenon, some people defied these guidelines and stared at the star without proper eye protection.

Now, many are worried that they may have irreversibly damaged their vision. Given this, it is important to clarify some points before determining who may have actually been affected.

You may have seen demonstrations in which a magnifying glass is used to concentrate sunlight and light a piece of paper on fire.

Sunlight is incredibly powerful and, when focused through a lens, can generate enough heat to start a flame.

Therefore, it is essential to remember that our eyes also function as natural lenses. If someone looks directly at the Sun, the “lens” in their eyes focuses the intense sunlight onto the retina.

This can significantly increase the risk of causing damage to the retina, which in turn can result in serious vision problems, including blindness.

Eye health is precious, and it is essential to adhere to safety measures when observing the Sun to avoid any damage to the eyes.

(Image: disclosure)

Could the eclipse cause harm?

In simple terms, it is important to understand that the Sun is no more harmful to human eyes during a solar eclipse than on any other day.

During the phenomenon, the Moon's coverage makes observing the Sun less uncomfortable and, therefore, the people may feel a greater temptation to look directly at it since they do not feel pain immediate.

The problem, however, appears later, usually several hours after exposure. The first symptoms of retinal damage are not immediately noticeable, and it is only at this point that people become aware of the damage that has already been done.

Signs of vision impairment

The first signs of retinal damage may appear after one or two days of sun exposure. At this stage, the vision of the person can stay blurry, and the affected area may swell, resembling an egg yolk.

It may take up to a year for vision to return to normal, depending on the severity of the damage.

One way to check at home if you've injured your eyes is to print an Amsler grid, a tool used by doctors to detect vision problems.

Closing one eye at a time, focus on the center point of the image and notice whether the surrounding grid appears wavy, smeared, or distorted. If you notice any of these irregularities, it is possible that your vision has been compromised.

However, it is important to emphasize that an ophthalmologist is the most qualified person to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate guidance in case of vision problems.

Therefore, if there is any suspicion of eye damage, seeking professional help is essential.

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