How to Choose Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses: Your Eye Protection Guide

🔎Not all solar eclipse glasses are created equal. Some substandard glasses are being sold, posing a risk to your eyes.

💡Proper solar eclipse glasses should be ISO 12312-2 compliant, providing the necessary protection against solar retinopathy.

🧪Conduct three tests to verify the quality of your solar eclipse glasses: check for ISO compliance, compare their darkness to sunglasses, and inspect their light transmittance.

📃Refer to the American Astronomical Society's approved list of manufacturers for reliable and safe solar eclipse glasses.

⚠️If your solar eclipse glasses cause discomfort or hurt your eyes, stop using them and look away from the sun.

What is solar retinopathy?

—Solar retinopathy is a type of eye damage caused by staring directly at the sun without proper eye protection. It can lead to permanent blindness.

Are all solar eclipse glasses ISO compliant?

—No, not all solar eclipse glasses are ISO 12312-2 compliant. It's essential to ensure your glasses bear this compliance to ensure your safety.

How do I check if my solar eclipse glasses are safe?

—You can conduct three tests: 1) Check if your glasses are ISO 12312-2 compliant, 2) Compare their darkness to sunglasses - solar eclipse glasses should be much darker, and 3) Inspect their light transmittance to ensure it falls within the ISO standards.

Why is it important to refer to the AAS approved list of manufacturers?

—The American Astronomical Society's approved list ensures that the manufacturers meet the necessary safety standards for solar eclipse glasses.

What should I do if my solar eclipse glasses cause discomfort?

—If your solar eclipse glasses cause discomfort or hurt your eyes, stop using them immediately and look away from the sun to prevent any potential damage.

00:05Learn how to choose safe solar eclipse glasses.

00:27The sun's energy can cause irreversible eye damage.

01:13Check for ISO 12312-2 compliance.

02:26Compare darkness to sunglasses and inspect light transmittance.

06:31Refer to the AAS approved list of manufacturers.

07:49Discomfort or pain while using solar eclipse glasses should be a red flag.

08:04Ensure a safe and enjoyable eclipse experience.