Quebec’s Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
The 28 cases reported as of April 17 include inflammation of the cornea, dry eyes and solar retinopathy, which is a permanent burn to the retina.
The path of totality — where the sun is completely covered by the moon, resulting in a period of darkness — crossed through the regions of Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Get weekly health news
In anticipation of the astronomical event, officials advised people to wear certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage when looking directly at the sun, and Quebec’s Health Department set up a system to monitor for eye injuries, in collaboration with the province’s order of optometrists.
The province says that since the data was collected voluntarily by optometrists, there may be delays in reporting and the 28 cases might understate the true number.
- Lytton was razed by fire. Some fear financial ruin is next for the tiny B.C. village
- Solicitor general will ‘get to bottom’ of inmate release errors he was briefed on in 2025
- North Vancouver chlorine plant expansion rejection raises drinking water concerns
- Hallway health care persists at Kelowna General Hospital as hospital floors sit empty
The Health Department says it is still studying the impact of the eclipse on emergency-room visits.
-
![]()
Solar eclipse: Quebec researchers observe animal behaviour during rare event -
![]()
N.B. scientists capture solar eclipse from high in the sky -
![]()
Eric Sorensen’s total solar eclipse expedition -
![]()
Total solar eclipse mesmerizes millions in Canada -
![]()
Solar Eclipse: Timelapse videos capture surreal moments of darkness during celestial event
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.