Basque Country Reports 33 Cases of Eye Injury
Following a rare total solar eclipse across Europe, the health department of Spain’s Basque Country issued an update on August 13, 2026, confirming that 33 people in the region have sought hospital treatment for eye injuries sustained while watching the celestial event.
The data shows these cases are distributed across the three provinces of the Basque Autonomous Community:
- Bizkaia: 14 cases, all treated at Cruces University Hospital.
- Gipuzkoa: 10 cases.
- Álava: 9 cases.
According to initial medical assessments, most patients present with mild or minor symptoms, all related to improper direct viewing of the sun.
Doctors Warn: Retinal Damage Can Be Delayed
Dr. Arantza Aguillo, an ophthalmologist on emergency duty, emphasized in an interview that retinal damage caused by solar radiation (solar retinopathy) may not present immediate symptoms. Instead, they can emerge hours or even days after viewing.
She urges the public to seek professional medical help immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms, and not to be complacent just because there is no pain:
- Flashes of light or specks in your vision.
- A fixed black or dark spot in the center of your vision.
- Blurred vision or distorted shapes.
- Persistent stinging, itching, or a foreign body sensation in the eye.
Inadequate Protection the Main Cause; Officials Launch Emergency Response
Prior to the total solar eclipse, Spanish health and astronomical agencies repeatedly stressed the necessity of using specialized eclipse glasses compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for observation. Although most people followed safety guidelines, some individuals were injured due to using non-compliant equipment or viewing with the naked eye.
To handle a potential surge in patient visits, the Basque health department has announced it will reinforce ophthalmology outpatient and emergency services at hospitals across the region for the next month, specifically to manage patients with delayed-onset injuries.
Health experts reiterate that regular sunglasses or viewing through a smartphone camera offer no effective protection. Anyone who viewed the sun without certified protective equipment during the eclipse, even if they currently feel no discomfort, should closely monitor their vision. If any abnormalities are detected, they must seek a medical examination immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.
