Eclipse Glasses USA, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting safety and knowledge surrounding solar eclipses, is pleased to offer essential guidance on purchasing safe eclipse glasses for the upcoming solar eclipses over the Western United States in October 2023 and the Eastern United States in April 2024. With these astronomical events drawing enthusiasts worldwide, prioritising eye safety and selecting the appropriate protective gear is crucial to enjoy these phenomena without risking vision damage.
While solar eclipses provide breathtaking celestial displays, direct viewing of the Sun without proper eye protection can lead to severe eye damage, including permanent vision loss.
Eclipse Glasses USA advises individuals to follow these guidelines when purchasing eclipse glasses:
- Seek Certified/Compliant Products: Ensure that the eclipse glasses you purchase meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. These glasses are specifically designed to block harmful solar radiation and provide adequate eye protection. Look for the ISO logo on the glasses or packaging.
- Trustworthy Vendors: Purchase eclipse glasses from reputable vendors. Avoid buying from unknown or unauthorised sellers, as their products may not meet safety standards. The American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) website provides a list of verified and trustworthy vendors.
- Verify Authenticity: Be cautious of 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 current ISO 12312-2 compliance test results and ensure the glasses are from a reliable source.
- Optical Density and Transmission Requirement: Ensure that the eclipse glasses have the appropriate optical density to block harmful visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) radiation. Legitimate testing results will note the glasses’ luminosity rating, typically ranging from 0.000061% to 0.0032%. Avoid purchasing glasses without quantitative results or those that only state “pass” without specific transmission ratings.
- Condition and Integrity: Inspect the eclipse glasses for any signs of damage, scratches, or aging. Discard glasses with scratches, holes, or damaged filters, as they may compromise eye safety. Use eclipse glasses in pristine condition, avoiding those that are more than 3 years old or have been stored in extreme temperatures.
- Follow Usage Instructions: Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the eclipse glasses. Adhere strictly to any specific guidelines, including recommended duration of use, to prevent eye damage.
Roger Sarkis, owner of Eclipse Glasses USA, advises, “Don’t wait until the last minute to obtain your eclipse glasses. Ensure you order early from reputable vendors to avoid purchasing counterfeit products or missing out on the October 2023 eclipse, which will be the last eclipse over the western US for 20 years. Don’t miss this opportunity.”
Eclipse Glasses USA urges the public to raise awareness about the importance of eye safety during solar eclipses and share these guidelines with friends, family, and communities to ensure everyone can safely witness these awe-inspiring astronomical events.