The Virgin Damaged My Macula!

Ireland's Knock shrine is well known for apparent divine visions of the virgin Mary and other sacred figures. The shrine, and the visions associated with it are considered by the catholic church to be trustworthy1. These 'miracles' attract over 1.5 million visitors annually making the Knock shrine the most popular attraction in western Ireland1. In late October an apparition of the virgin 'appeared' in the skies over the shrine.

About 10,000 people attended a supposed apparition of the Virgin Mary at the Knock shrine in Co Mayo on October 31st. At this, and at a similar event on October 11th, people claimed to see the sun shimmering, changing colour and “dancing in the sky”.

This 'miracle' turns out to be a public health concern. Dr. Eamonn O’Donoghue, an ophthalmologist surgeon in Galway has seen a five fold increase in cases of solar retinopathy. A condition caused by staring at the sun that can lead to blindness.

Solar retinopathy, or eclipse retinopathy as it is also known, affects the macula and can cause a significant reduction in vision. It can also lead to altered images, altered colour perception and blind spots.

Miracles seem less and less miraculous the closer we look. In this case the affect was negative. If it were a corporation they would have been sued for something like this. Perhaps the church will be, but I doubt it.

1: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/knock-shrine

All quotes are from the Irish Times.

Also see:
The Irish Times article about the health concern.
The Skeptics Guide To The Universe podcast
The Bad Astronomer, Phil Plait