SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) – As we get closer to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, you might be wondering where you can get eclipse glasses.
During the solar eclipse, the moon will move across the sun, covering the light and making the sky look dark. Once the sun is covered completely, or under totality, it’s OK to look at the sky, but before and after the eclipse, you should wear eclipse glasses to avoid eye damage.
Nexstar’s WSYR-TV spoke to Dr. James Forde, optometrist at Harbor Eye Associates in Oswego, who said staring at the sun during the solar eclipse without protective eyewear can put you at risk for permanent eye damage.
“Anywhere that the retina was exposed to that level of energy, it can burn it permanently and hurt your rods and cones, which can give you bad central vision, distorted vision, and it can affect your color vision as well,” said Dr. Forde.
When buying eclipse glasses, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable vendor and know how to identify the key markers that prove the glasses are eclipse-proof.
American Astronomical Society (AAS) approved Solar eclipse glasses
1. Rainbow Symphony
Are you looking for affordable and stylish eclipse glasses? Rainbow Symphony has lots of options to choose from ranging in price from $7.95 to $19.95.
2. Daystar Eclipse Glasses
Daystar has a lot of different custom eclipse glasses including funny and unique designs and patterns. They also give you the option to buy glasses in bulk if you are hosting an eclipse viewing party or are a business or school that wants to give out glasses to hundreds of people.
3. Thousand Oaks Optical
If you’re looking to buy solar eclipse glasses in bulk, Thousand Oaks Optical is another approved seller of eclipse viewers.
4. American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses
If you want eclipse glasses that NASA uses, American Paper Optics is selling several different options.
5. Celestron
Celestron, a manufacturer of high-quality telescopes, telescope accessories, binoculars and sporting optics, is another good retailer for buying solar eclipse glasses. The company’s EclipSmart Safe brand offers eclipse paper glasses, solar power viewers and premium glasses.
According to the AAS, you can also buy eclipse glasses directly from the following major U.S. retailers, depending on stock availability: H-E-B, Walmart, Lowes, Buc-ee’s, Wegmans, Menards, Kroger, Meijer, Warby Parker (available for free until supplies run out, starting April 1st), Cracker Barrel and Staples.
Can I make my own solar eclipse viewer?
You can also make your own eclipse viewer from a cereal box if you want to save money. Or, you can use two sheets of paper to make a pinhole projector.
How can I make sure my solar eclipse glasses are safe?
Make sure that wherever you buy, you’re looking for glasses that are labeled “ISO 12312-2” and have an authentic ISO certification label.
Your solar eclipse glasses should also be made to the following specifications, and meet the following standards:
- Authentic solar filters
- Proper fit and full coverage
- Reputable manufacturer and vendor
- Free of any defects, punctures, and scratches
- No distortion and proper transmission of limited light
If you already bought glasses and want to make sure they are safe, the American Astronomical Society has a full list of suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters. American Paper Optics also offers a list of approved sellers for those looking to buy on Amazon.