If you’re gearing up to watch the solar eclipse on April 8, odds are you already know you need to wear adequate eye protection. But just in case you need a reminder: sunglasses– no matter how dark or expensive– are not proper eye protection for viewing the eclipse.
If you plan to watch the solar eclipse, one of your best options is to secure a pair of eclipse glasses to protect your retinas. Often designed with polyester film coated and coated in aluminum, certified eclipse eyewear is designed to block all visible, and infrared light. Solar eclipse glasses must be from an approved vendor the American Astronomical Society.
Proper eyewear for watching the eclipse should comply with the requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard, reports the Detroit Free Press. The American Astronomical Society does not recommend searching for glasses on Amazon, eBay, or other online marketplaces and buying from the vendor with the lowest prices.
READ MORE: How to safely watch an eclipse
Warby Parker and Destiny USA are giving away free glasses to watch the eclipse, as long as supplies last. Eclipse websites like American Paper Optics, GreatAmericanEclipse.com and NationalEclipse.com sell a variety of eyewear products. Amazon also sells eclipse glasses in bulk – just make sure they are from a certified seller. The American Astronomical Society maintains a curated list of approved vendors. Libraries also offer eclipse glasses.
Here are instructions on how to properly use eclipse glasses, according to the Detriot Free Press:
- Before viewing the eclipse, the American Astronomical Society recommends inspecting the glasses and discarding them if they are scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged.
- Wear eclipse eyewear over your normal glasses.
- Cover your eyes before you look at the sun, and wait to take the glasses off until after you’ve turned away from the sun.
- Do not use an unfiltered camera, telescope or binoculars even if you’re wearing proper eyewear.