The highly anticipated solar eclipse is set to enshroud thousands of miles of North America in its long, narrow shadow. As the event approaches, it’s crucial for those planning to witness it to have their plans in place, including the possession of proper eyewear.

USA TODAY has been actively guiding readers away from scam eclipse glasses and towards the safest, most reliable options, some of which have even been available for free. However, for those in need of a last-minute refresher or a crash course on the topic, we’re here to help.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses by now, it may be too late to purchase them. However, some vendors, such as Warby Parker, and public libraries have offered eclipse glasses giveaways, so it’s worth checking your local area before the historic event takes place.

For those who do have their eyewear ready for Monday’s eclipse, here are some last-minute considerations to ensure a safe viewing experience. It’s important to take proper safety precautions, as staring at the sun can lead to retinal damage and burns from its powerful rays.

Regular sunglasses made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material are not sufficient for viewing a solar eclipse. Astronomers and experts recommend specialized eyewear to protect the sensitive retinas from permanent damage. Additionally, using camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes without a specialized solar filter could cause severe eye injury.

Proper eclipse glasses, often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, are 100,000 times darker than regular sunglasses to block nearly all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, safeguarding the sensitive retinas when looking skyward.

As the last total solar eclipse in North America for the next 20 years approaches, it’s crucial to prioritize eye safety and ensure the use of appropriate eyewear for this extraordinary astronomical event.