Macron Wore Sunglasses in Davos Because of an Eye Condition

President Emmanuel Macron wore blue-tinted aviator-style sunglasses while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The glasses were prompted by a medical issue, not fashion, the Times reported. Mr. Macron did not acknowledge the choice during his 18-minute speech. The sunglasses first appeared last Thursday when he sported an inflamed right eye during a New Year’s speech to France’s armed forces; after removing the glasses he said, "Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye," adding the condition was "completely harmless."

French news reports have indicated Mr. Macron has been suffering from broken blood vessels in his eye, known medically as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. That condition can be caused by trauma, coughing, sneezing, high blood pressure or medications like blood thinners, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and typically goes away without treatment within two weeks.

On social media the sunglasses were read by some as a political statement, drawing comparisons to the naval aviator in "Top Gun" and to former President Joe Biden, though Mr. Biden was not known to wear his sunglasses while addressing world leaders. The rules of etiquette, which forbid wearing sunglasses indoors, could be overlooked. Mr. Macron’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key Topics

World, Emmanuel Macron, World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, Subconjunctival Hemorrhage