Tenerife Eye Specialists Issue Warning Ahead of 2026 Solar Eclipse and Summer Season
Specialists at Tenerife’s Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital are urging the public to prioritize eye health this summer by protecting against seasonal irritants and preparing for the risks of solar retinopathy during the 2026 solar eclipse.
Summer is a busy time for eye doctors, but this year, specialists at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Tenerife are issuing a special warning. Beyond the usual seasonal risks, they are urging the public to prepare for the solar eclipse coming on August 12, 2026.
This astronomical event poses a unique health risk. As ambient light fades during an eclipse, our pupils naturally dilate. This allows more radiation to enter the eye, significantly increasing the risk of solar retinopathy—a type of damage to the macula that can permanently impair central vision. Because this injury is painless, people often don't realize they have been harmed until symptoms like blurred vision or color distortion appear later.
Even outside of the eclipse, summer weather puts extra stress on our eyes. Increased UV exposure, combined with salt water, pool chlorine, and air conditioning, can lead to conditions like photokeratitis, conjunctivitis, and dry eye. To stay protected, experts recommend wearing certified sunglasses with grade 3 or 4 filters and using swimming goggles to keep irritants out of your eyes.
Contact lens wearers should be especially cautious. Professionals strongly advise against wearing lenses while swimming in pools or natural water, as they can trap microorganisms like acanthamoeba, which may lead to serious corneal infections. Additionally, it is best to limit contact lens use during air travel or long periods in the sun, as these environments can cause dehydration. If you are in air-conditioned spaces, using artificial tears can help keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.