Scots flock to opticians with ‘eclipse injuries’

School children view the eclipse correctly using special protective glasses in Glasgow. Picture: Getty

Despite repeated warnings by experts not to view the solar eclipse with the naked eye, many over-enthusiastic spectators have now had to seek medical attention.

The celestial event prompted excitement as thousands gathered to watch the eclipse as it happened.

Experts had advised the public to view the sun using special eye glasses or dedicated viewers, however opticians have reported an increase in people seeking advice over fears their sight might be permanently damaged.

One of the worst affected areas, reported in the Sunday Post, was the North East of Scotland, where almost 30 people have gone to opticians seeking advice.

Stephen Hannan, director of clinical services at Optical Express, told the Post: “A solar eclipse is an extraordinary sight, but looking at the sun directly for even a few seconds is incredibly dangerous.

“One of the biggest dangers people faced on Friday was taking photographs and looking through the lens of their camera or device while trying to get the perfect shot.

“If anyone has any doubt at all that they may have damaged their eyesight, they should get it looked at it immediately.”

Several factors have been blamed for the rise in cases of those seeking medical attention, including lack of availability of protective specs and people wrongly believing cloud-cover would protect them.