What Ohio State study found about eclipse knowledge
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center looked at how prepared people are for Monday’s solar eclipse.
The survey of approximately 1,000 people found that 30% did not know that looking at the eclipse without proper eye protection could cause permanent damage. Another 10% also believe that the eclipse can cause natural disasters, sleep problems, and mental health issues. None of those are real dangers of an eclipse, the university said in a statement.
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Some Ohio State students said the message has been clear and they have expectations for the event.
“I have no idea what to expect and I don’t want to be underwhelmed,” Ohio State student Kate Baldwin said.
One student doesn’t have class, another is driving with her family for the best view, and a third is still figuring out her plan.
“I’m hoping my class gets canceled,” Baldwin said. “If it doesn’t, I honestly might think about going to watch the eclipse because it’s the first time this is happening in 70 years, so I definitely want to see it.”
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“My class got canceled, so probably just, you know, putting on my glasses,” Ohio State student Addisynne Siefike said.
A doctor with the Wexner Medical Center said having the proper glasses is important.
“We may see patients come to the emergency department with a painful eye, much like a welder would get if they didn’t use appropriate protection,” Dr. Nicholas Kman, an emergency physician with the medical center, said.
Kman said being aware of the potential traffic backup and having a plan is important.
“That might include a full tank of gas, it might include some supplies that I would advocate you always have in your car, but, you know, a cell phone charger, jumper cables, full tank of gas. Maybe if you’re traveling, medications, anything your kids might need, snacks, you know, be prepared,” he said.
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Kman said the event shouldn’t be doom and gloom – he wants to make sure everyone is prepared and has a plan.
“We saw after the 2017 eclipse that people were in traffic for up to 17 hours going from Kentucky back to Ohio,” he said. “So, you know, be ready for that. Are you prepared in your vehicle for a standstill traffic event like that?”
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