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At least eighteen people report eye damage after solar eclipse

Following the solar eclipse on August 12, eighteen individuals have reported eye damage, including five children.

20 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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At least eighteen people report eye damage after solar eclipse — Photo: bjornlammers · Flickr · PDM

Eighteen people have consulted ophthalmologists with eye damage after the partial solar eclipse on August 12. The injuries occurred because they looked at the sun without proper protection during the event.

According to the Netherlands Ophthalmology Society (NOG), this includes five children and thirteen adults. The damage has primarily been localized to the retina, which can lead to permanent visual problems.

Archive photo: At least eighteen people report eye damage after solar eclipse — Archive photoPhoto: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken · Flickr · BY-SA

The reports of these patients have highlighted the importance of wearing protective eyewear when observing a solar eclipse. Experts point out that serious consequences can arise from exposure to sunlight without adequate protection.

The incidents have prompted health experts to issue warnings to exercise caution during future astronomical events. The NOG has stated that they will continue to monitor patients and advise on the proper use of protection during such phenomena.

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