Monday afternoon unveiled a breathtaking celestial phenomenon: a solar eclipse gracing the skies, captivating millions across North America. However, amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle, an unexpected trend emerged in the digital realm. Following the eclipse, Google witnessed a surge in searches for “my eyes hurt” and “why do my eyes hurt.”

According to Google Trends data, these searches reached unprecedented levels, surpassing the peaks observed since 2017, the last time a total solar eclipse traversed the United States. While precise figures remain undisclosed, the trend’s magnitude is strikingly evident, registering a perfect “100” on the tracking scale, in contrast to the 2017 score of 64.

The irony lies in the fact that many eclipse enthusiasts equipped themselves with specialized “solar” glasses to safely view the event. Despite proactive measures, concerns lingered, echoing the cautionary advice from NASA officials to refrain from direct observation of the eclipse. These warnings gained further urgency when a brand of solar glasses issued a recall just days before the eclipse. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) sounded the alarm, highlighting the infiltration of counterfeit glasses into the market, posing potential risks to unsuspecting viewers.

Looking ahead, the next opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse isn’t slated until 2026. However, the forthcoming event will be geographically limited, with prime viewing locations spanning Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. Nonetheless, partial glimpses of the eclipse will be visible across Europe, Africa, North America, and vast expanses of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.