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Eye on the Eclipse: Demographic Trends in Solar Retinopathy From 2012 to 2024
Qais A Dihan1, Andrew D Brown2, Nayef Alshammari1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bernice and Harvey Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Solar retinopathy incidence remained low, with no increase during solar eclipses. However, psychiatric and retinal comorbidities were common in affected individuals, highlighting disparities and the need for eye safety education.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Solar retinopathy is a rare condition caused by viewing the sun directly.
- Understanding its incidence and associated comorbidities is crucial for prevention and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze demographic, psychiatric, and retinal comorbidities of solar retinopathy in the US (2012-2024).
- To assess incidence trends, particularly around solar eclipse years.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, population-based cohort study using TriNetX US Collaborative Research Network.
- Identified patients with solar retinopathy (ICD-10 code H31.02) and analyzed demographic data, psychiatric disorders, substance use, and retinal conditions.
- Compared annual incidence rates between eclipse and non-eclipse years.
Main Results:
- 555 cases of solar retinopathy identified among over 1 million patients; incidence remained low (mean 44.5 cases/year).
- No significant increase in incidence observed during solar eclipse years compared to non-eclipse years (P = .062).
- Common comorbidities included anxiety (32%), depression (24%), nicotine dependence (18%), and age-related macular degeneration (8%).
Conclusions:
- Solar retinopathy incidence is low and not significantly impacted by solar eclipses.
- Psychiatric and retinal comorbidities are prevalent, indicating potential underlying vulnerabilities.
- Findings emphasize the need for targeted, culturally sensitive eye safety education before future eclipses to address disparities.
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