As millions of people across North America prepare to witness the 2024 total solar eclipse today, experts are urging caution when it comes to purchasing eclipse glasses to protect your eyes during the celestial event. With the market flooded with counterfeit and potentially unsafe eclipse viewers, it's crucial to ensure that your glasses meet the necessary safety standards.
According to the American Optometric Association, the only glasses that should be used to look at a partially eclipsed sun are those that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2. This standard, set by the International Organization for Standardization, ensures that the glasses reduce visible sunlight to a safe level and block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
"Blocking that radiation is important," explains the National Eye Institute. "Ultraviolet, or UV, radiation can damage the cells of the eyes, while the infrared, or IR, radiation can generate heat that causes thermal damage."
To verify that your eclipse glasses are genuine and safe, look for the "ISO 12312-2" or "ISO 12312-2:2015" label on the arm of the glasses. However, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns that some sellers with products that do not meet the standard may label their eyewear with it anyway. To avoid this, the AAS recommends purchasing from reputable vendors and manufacturers based in the United States.
"We do not recommend searching for eclipse glasses on Amazon, eBay, Temu, or any other online marketplace and buying from whichever vendor offers the lowest price," the AAS said in a statement. "Before you buy a solar viewer or filter online, we recommend that you make sure that the seller is identified on the site and the seller is listed on this page."
The AAS maintains a list of over a hundred vetted producers, distributors, and retailers that offer lab-tested eclipse glasses, including major retailers like Walmart, Warby Parker, Lowe's, and 7-Eleven. However, Amazon, eBay, and Temu are notably absent from this list.
When contacted by Quartz, eBay was the only e-commerce giant to respond, stating, "eBay only allows the sale of eclipse glasses verified by the American Astronomical Society to meet international safety standards." The company added that it uses "multiple layers of AI technology, professionally trained eBay investigators, and buyer protection programs" to ensure the authenticity of goods sold on its platform.
If you already have eclipse glasses from a previous solar eclipse, it's essential to double-check their condition before using them. NASA warns against using glasses that have any marks, scratches, or punctured lenses, as this damage can diminish the protection they offer. The National Eye Institute also advises against using glasses that are more than three years old for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
For those who prefer not to purchase eclipse glasses, it is possible to create a safe, homemade eclipse viewing tool. NASA recommends making a pinhole projector, which uses a small opening to project an image of the sun onto a nearby surface. When using a pinhole projector, keep the sun at your back and view the projected image to safely see the eclipse, but avoid looking directly at the sun itself.
As the 2024 total solar eclipse captivates North America, taking the necessary precautions to protect your eyes is of utmost importance. By ensuring that your eclipse glasses meet the required safety standards and following expert guidance, you can safely enjoy this rare and awe-inspiring celestial event without risking damage to your eyesight.
