One of the rarest cosmic phenomena has already come and gone, leaving mesmerized witnesses and people who searched 'my eyes hurt' on Google amidst the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024.
This could only mean one thing: some people are experiencing the eye strain that NASA warned of when looking at the Sun directly and without any protection despite it nearing its completely blocked state.
'My Eyes Hurt' Search Trends on Google Amidst Total Solar Eclipse
(Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)
The top states were West Virginia, followed by Rhode Island (despite both not being on the path of totality), Indiana, Connecticut (also not on the path of totality), and Maine.
In another search trend that saw a spike, people also looked into Google's results, which state "eyes hurt after looking at the eclipse," with Wyoming (not in the path of totality), Maine, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and New Hampshire seeing these searches.
It is clear that some people viewed the eclipse and ignored NASA's safety guidelines when it passed, but it is also possible that some users were using eclipse glasses but still experienced the strain. This was because there were reported recalls of eclipse glasses hours before the event.
Read Also: Google to Stream Free Live Coverage of Monday's Solar Eclipse
Should You See a Doctor If Your Eyes Are Hurting?
If you are one of those who have searched this and are currently experiencing some weird, stinging, burning, or other types of irregular feelings with your eyes, you should immediately seek out medical and professional help. There may still be ways to help your eyes and avoid lasting damage after this event.
Total Solar Eclipse 2024
NASA has been all over the news about the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024, and the space agency has released massive information about the upcoming cosmic event that the world may see with its eyes.
First, it took place last April 8 and went on for around three hours in the morning, with its totality taking place at around 11:07 AM PDT on Mexico's Pacific coast.
This was a historic cosmic event, as total solar eclipses only happen at designated times. NASA counts years before another pass, as the last one before this recent phenomenon occurred in 2017, seven years ago, and before that, in 1979.
Moreover, this particular solar eclipse was seen throughout the continental U.S. despite not being in the path of totality, but only as a partial eclipse.
Amidst all the preparations for it, NASA did not miss out on giving warnings and safety guidelines to the general public who are interested in watching the total solar eclipse of 2024.
Despite this, there has been a spike in the search trends, with many looking at 'my eyes hurt' queries and results on Google amidst the cosmic event, and it is recommended to seek out experts behind this to avoid lasting damage to the eyes.
Related Article: Solar Eclipse 2024: Don't Look, Protect Your Eyes! Where to Get Protective Eyewear & Why You Need Them
