Eclipse day is fast approaching and having a safe pair of eclipse glasses should be your number one priority if you plan to look up at the sky. It’s important to have legitimate solar eclipse glasses because they contain a special-purpose filter to protect your eyes.
State health commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the risks of looking directly at the sun without the correct eye protection, stating that even a short time of exposure can cause permanent damage to the retinas, the light-sensitive part of the eye that transmits what you see to your brain. The only safe way to view the sun when it’s not eclipsed or is partially eclipsed is with a special solar filter, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer.
How do I know my glasses are legitimate?
Legitimate eclipse glasses should be marked with the ISO certification number ISO 12312-2 on the glasses’ frame and registered as a ‘Solar Viewer Brand’ with the American Astronomical Society (AAS). If you come across anyone selling fake solar eclipse glasses, be sure to report them to the AG’s Office.
Test your glasses ahead of time
According to the AAS, when wearing legitimate glasses indoors, objects should be hardly visible, and outdoors, only the sun’s reflection on shiny surfaces should be visible.
Inspect your glasses for scratches, tears
Ensure the glasses’ filters are scratch-free and free of tears. The frame should not be loose or damaged in any way. If there are any damages, replace them with a new, certified pair.
Don’t use sunglasses
Ordinary sunglasses cannot be used instead of eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. State health commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized that regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, will not provide adequate protection. It’s particularly important to protect small children who may not understand the danger of staring at the sun during an eclipse. Additionally, if viewing the eclipse through a camera or telescope, ensure the lens has a solar filter.
Where to get safe eclipse glasses
Rochester Museum & Science Center, planetarium, and the nature center in Ontario County offer eclipse glasses for purchase. Some other Rochester-area stores also have eclipse glasses available, including area Wegmans, Pet World in Greece and Fairport, Laughing Gull Chocolates in Rochester, Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in Rochester, and Dan’s Crafts & Things. Eclipse glasses are also available for purchase in the museum’s online store.
