Quebec optometrists say there's “more fear than harm” after an eclipse.

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In the days following the total solar eclipse, some Quebecers appeared to seek help for vision problems, but the provincial association of optometrists said there was “more fear than harm.”

In the days leading up to the rare phenomenon, medical experts warned against attempting to view the sun without certified eclipse glasses because looking directly at it could damage the eyes.

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“Optometric clinics received calls after the eclipse, with the vast majority of callers reporting discomfort or slight pain, dry eyes, watery eyes,” Louise Dion, director of marketing and communications for the Association des optométristes du Quebec, said in an email. “In short, nothing is more important than harm.”

Urgens-Santé said it had received five calls about blurred vision since Monday, all of which were redirected to Info-Santé. The Institut national de santé publique du Quebec did not respond to requests for information on how many calls to 811 related to the eclipse.

Vision 770, which offers eye exams at multiple locations in Montreal, said it performed about 15 emergency exams for patients with vision concerns after the eclipse. Everything was fine, he said.

Dr. Langis Michaud, a professor at the University of Montreal's school of optometry, said the Quebec order asked its members to report the cases. The order, for its part, said there was no indication that a significant number of patients needed immediate tests after the eclipse.

“People seem to be respecting the guidelines for observing the eclipse safely,” the spokesperson said.

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