A dark or blurry spot in the center of your vision is the most characteristic sign to look for after an eclipse. Since last night, it's also one of the most common concerns. The key lies in a simple distinction: the afterimage, which is common and fleeting, and the scotoma, which persists and warrants examination. Here's how to tell them apart.
The afterimage: normal if it disappears within a few minutes
After staring at a very bright light source, everyone sees a colored or dark spot floating in their field of vision. This is an afterimage, a phenomenon of photoreceptor adaptation, the same one that occurs after a camera flash. It fades within seconds to minutes, often changes color as it disappears, and follows the gaze. It does not mean that the retina is damaged.
Scotoma: a spot that persists or appears afterward
A central scotoma is different. It's a blind or blurred area, most often in the exact center of vision, where you try to read or look at a face. Three characteristics should raise concern: the spot persists for more than a few minutes or recurs throughout the day, it sometimes appears hours after exposure rather than immediately, and it's often accompanied by distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy, or by colors being perceived differently. This presentation corresponds to a possible solar retinopathy, a lesion of the macula.
To objectively assess what you see, eye by eye, use the Amsler grid in our guide : it transforms a vague impression into a precise description, including the affected area, the eye involved, and any distorted or missing lines. This information will be directly useful to the ophthalmologist.
What to do if the stain persists
Contact an ophthalmologist immediately, or the emergency eye clinic if you experience a significant decrease in vision. Specify that you observed the eclipse on August 12th, the eye affected, and the time it occurred. A fundus examination and OCT imaging will allow visualization of the macula and confirm or rule out an injury. Until your appointment, do not instill any eye drops yourself and avoid rubbing your eyes.
How does a scotoma evolve after an eclipse?
There is no specific treatment, but spontaneous recovery is often favorable: according to the Cleveland Clinic, improvement generally begins within the first week and continues for three to six months, with approximately 80% of people regaining good visual acuity. In some cases, a small central spot or slight distortion remains permanently. Only follow-up with an ophthalmologist can determine the specific case. For a complete list of signs to watch for and answers to frequently asked questions, consult our comprehensive guide to post-eclipse symptoms.
F.A.Q
The spot is tiny: should I still consult a doctor?
Yes, if it persists. Solar retinopathy affects the center of vision, and even a small lesion can impair reading. The size of the spot does not predict its progression; it is its persistence that matters.
I only have the spot on one eye: is that expected?
Solar retinopathy often affects both eyes, but not always equally: a more exposed dominant eye, a poorly timed blink, and the condition may be asymmetrical or unilateral. Even if only one eye is affected, a consultation is necessary.
I only watched for a few seconds: is this scotoma even possible?
The risk increases with duration, but no direct exposure is guaranteed to be without consequences. We address this issue in detail in a dedicated guide: I watched the eclipse for a few seconds, is that serious?
Verified sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Think you hurt your eyes watching the eclipse?
- Cleveland Clinic, Solar Retinopathy: Symptoms, Causes and Recovery
- Retinal Physician, Solar Retinopathy: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- French Society of Ophthalmology, Recommendations to Patients
General information page related to the eclipse of August 12, 2026. It does not replace a consultation and contains no commercial links.
