Eclipse Glasses USA, a renowned organisation dedicated to promoting safety and knowledge surrounding solar eclipses, is pleased to provide essential guidance on purchasing safe eclipse glasses to protect your eyes during the upcoming solar eclipses over the Western United States in October 2023 and the Eastern United States in April 2024. As these celestial events capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide, prioritising eye safety and selecting appropriate protective gear is crucial to fully enjoy these spectacles without risking damage to vision.
Solar eclipses offer mesmerising celestial displays, but direct viewing of the Sun without proper protection can cause severe harm to the eyes, including permanent vision loss.
To ensure safe viewing, Eclipse Glasses USA recommends following these guidelines when purchasing eclipse glasses:
- Certified/Compliant Products: Choose eclipse glasses that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. These glasses are specially designed to block harmful solar radiation and provide adequate eye protection. Look for the ISO logo on the glasses or packaging.
Note: Some companies claim their glasses are NASA certified. However, it’s important to remember that NASA is not a certifying body for eclipse glasses safety. ISO compliance is the standard to prioritise.
- Trusted Vendors: Purchase eclipse glasses from reputable and trusted vendors. Avoid buying from unknown sources or unauthorised sellers, as their products may not meet safety standards. The American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) website provides a list of verified vendors.
- Authenticity Verification: Exercise caution to avoid counterfeit or substandard eclipse glasses flooding the market. Verify the authenticity of the product by checking the manufacturer’s information, including their contact details and website.
Ask for a current ISO 12312-2 compliance test result. Some vendors may provide outdated test results from the 2017 North American eclipse, while others may rely on labs that lack the capability to certify ISO compliance. If in doubt, reach out to the manufacturer directly or seek assistance from Eclipse Glasses USA to confirm the authenticity of their products.
- Optical Density and Transmission: Ensure that the eclipse glasses have an appropriate optical density to block harmful visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) radiation. The glasses should have a luminosity rating of 0.000061% to 0.0032%, as noted in legitimate testing results. If a test result only shows a “pass” without quantitative data, it is advisable to avoid purchasing from that vendor.
Avoid using regular sunglasses or homemade filters, as they do not provide sufficient protection. ISO 12312-2 compliant glasses/viewers adequately shield your eyes from harmful visible light, UV, and infrared radiation emitted by the Sun.
- Condition and Integrity: Carefully inspect the eclipse glasses for any signs of damage, scratches, or aging. Discard glasses with scratches, holes, or damaged filters, as they may compromise the safety of your eyes. It is crucial to use eclipse glasses in excellent condition. Do not use glasses that are over 3 years old or have been stored in extreme temperatures.
- Usage Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions diligently. Pay attention to specific usage guidelines, such as the recommended duration of use, and strictly adhere to them to prevent eye damage.
Roger Sarkis, owner of Eclipse Glasses USA and current university faculty member, emphasises the importance of planning ahead, stating, “Don’t wait until the last minute to source your eclipse glasses. Make sure you order early and only from reputable vendors, so you don’t miss the October 2023 eclipse. This will be the last eclipse over the western US for 20 years. You don’t want to miss it by purchasing counterfeit products or waiting until they’re sold out.”
Eclipse Glasses USA urges the public to raise awareness about the significance of eye safety during solar eclipses and to share these guidelines with friends, family, and communities, ensuring that everyone can witness these awe-inspiring astronomical phenomena safely.
