Following the total solar eclipse that occurred on Monday, Americans began to report experiencing various health issues such as nausea, headaches, eye pain, and changes to menstrual cycles. Some social media users mentioned feeling buzzy and needing an eye exam after viewing the eclipse, while others claimed that their periods started late or right after the event. Dr. Nicole Saphier suggested that the reported “eclipse sickness” cases may be more related to superstition rather than actual physical effects, comparing it to the belief that emergency departments are busier during a full moon. However, Dr. Marc Siegel believes that flicker vertigo, caused by flickering bright lights, could be a medical basis for these health ailments.
Although Dr. Saphier stated that there is no physical relationship between the eclipse and a person’s health, Dr. Siegel suggested that the sudden light shifts from an eclipse could cause disorientation and lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, or anxiety in individuals who are particularly sensitive to them. NASA maintains that as long as proper eye protection is worn during the eclipse, there should be no negative impact on one’s health. The organization stated that there is no direct relationship between a total solar eclipse and health, similar to the lack of relationship between health and a new moon. NASA emphasized that occasional correlations between the eclipse and health issues, like those reported following the 2017 eclipse, are outweighed by all the other times when health remains excellent.
It’s important to note that the reported health symptoms following the eclipse, such as nausea, headaches, and changes in menstrual cycles, could be attributed to a variety of factors. Dr. Saphier highlighted the potential role of superstition in the perceived health effects, while Dr. Siegel pointed to flicker vertigo as a potential explanation for the symptoms. The belief in the connection between celestial events like solar eclipses and potential health effects has been around for a long time, but scientific consensus suggests that these effects are more likely psychological or based on individual sensitivities rather than direct physical consequences of the eclipse itself.
As Americans across the country shared their post-eclipse health concerns on social media, questions arose about the link between eclipse viewing and reported symptoms. While it’s natural for people to look for explanations for any physical discomfort they experience, it’s essential to rely on scientific evidence and medical expertise to understand the true causes behind such issues. NASA’s reassurance that wearing proper eye protection during an eclipse can prevent any adverse health effects underscores the importance of taking necessary precautions when observing such rare astronomical events to ensure both eye safety and overall well-being. As more research and data become available, it will be interesting to see if any definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential impact of solar eclipses on human health.
