By Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon and Dr. Lynne M. Saddler
Science and history are going to intersect in many parts of the U.S. on Monday, Aug. 21, as sections of the country experience a solar eclipse. In Northern Kentucky, a partial eclipse will be visible, weather permitting, from about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a maximum of 90 percent of the sun being blocked at about 2 p.m.
Dr. Metzger Aubuchon
Other areas of Kentucky, including Paducah and Hopkinsville, are expected to have a total eclipse; and many from our region may decide to travel southwest to view this phenomenon.
While viewing the eclipse is a momentous event, it’s important to remember steps to protect your health—both your eyes and general health.
The American Optometric Association provides the following advice for viewing the eclipse:
- Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or viewers. While many are being advertised, be sure to look for products that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. For a list of approved devices, visit https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters. If you can’t find eclipse viewers, you can easily and inexpensively build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse—find directions at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/
- Technique of the pros. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun. Even with approved glasses, you should only still glance at the eclipse momentarily. Extended viewing is not recommended. Direct supervision is required for children, and make sure children have properly fitting eye protection.
- Totality awesome. In Northern Kentucky, the view of the eclipse will never be complete, so protective gear should be used at all times. However, if you travel to an area where the eclipse is total for a period of time, you can safely remove eclipse viewers once the moon completely blocks the sun. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced.
- Visit your doctor. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, contact your doctor or eye doctor.
Dr. Saddler
Other health tips
Eclipse viewing may get many of us outside during the heat of an August afternoon. If you are traveling to an area with a total eclipse, crowd conditions may lead to long periods of time outside and use of outdoor restroom facilities. Some tips for general health during the viewing include:
- Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above and reapply often
- Drink plenty of water. Older adults and young children are especially at risk for dehydration when outside for long periods of time.
- As always, wash your hands often, including before eating and after using restroom facilities. If hand washing facilities are not available, be sure to bring sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent to protect against mosquito and other bug bites.
With the last total eclipse viewable in the U.S. occurring in 1979, the Aug. 21 event may be the first opportunity in many Northern Kentuckians’ lifetimes to see such an astronomical site. By following the health tips above, you can help ensure that the memories of the day spark wonder in science without causing health problems.
Dr. Julie Metzger is an optometrist with offices in Florence and Covington. Dr. Lynne Saddler is District Director of Health for the Northern Kentucky Health Department.
