“Why do my eyes hurt” searches spike on Google following Total Eclipse

3 weeks ago

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People looking at the eclipse at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill., on Monday. Image via Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters

Searches relating to “hurt eyes” on Google spiked across the US following Monday’s Total Eclipse.

Hours following the rare astrological event, which was only visible in North America,  Google Trends reflected the spike in search inquiries with “Why do my eyes hurt” or “eyes hurt.”

Image via NBC news

The inquiry also became a trending topic on social media with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experience about the reported ocular discomfort.

While experts would have warned against participation in gaze without special eye protection, the spike suggested concern over the potential eye injury for many.

The next projected “Total Eclipse” visible from the continent is set to happen in 2045.