The upcoming total eclipse on April 8 presents a rare opportunity that many people may only experience once in their lifetime. It is crucial to ensure that you are adequately prepared to witness this extraordinary celestial event by obtaining a pair of safe and effective eclipse glasses.
Why do you need special eclipse glasses?
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According to the American Society of Retina Specialists, if you view the sun or a laser without wearing appropriate eye protection, it can cause direct harm to your retina. This can result in blurred vision, blind spots, distortion, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
Regular sunglasses, camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes are examples of unsafe filters that should never be used. Without a special-purpose solar filter, these options do not provide the necessary protection and can even result in damaging expensive equipment.
It is advisable to avoid using any old pair of eclipse glasses that you may have stored away in a junk drawer from previous eclipses. Scratches and other forms of damage can significantly impact their effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended to use a fresh pair of glasses to view the eclipse on April 8.
How to tell if your eclipse glasses are legit
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has recently warned that although eclipse glasses are widely available, there are several counterfeit options on the market that are unsafe to use.
Rick Fienberg, an experienced veteran of 14 total solar eclipses and the project manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force, provided a word of caution.
According to an expert, solar filters are significantly darker than regular sunglasses, with a darkness level that is at least 1,000 times greater. To determine if eclipse glasses are safe, it may not be possible to visually inspect them for safety. However, it is relatively easy to identify glasses that are not safe.
Where to buy eclipse glasses
We’ve taken care of the shopping for you, following the recommendations of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force. The selected products not only meet the AAS guidelines but also hold certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a respected organization of global experts who ensure their quality and reliability.
You can also visit a nearby Warby Parker location to receive a complimentary pair of glasses in addition to the ones we recommended. Alternatively, you can utilize this interactive map to locate one of over 13,000 libraries nationwide that offer a limited selection of free glasses.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to get glasses delivered right to your doorstep, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out how you can shop for glasses without even leaving your home.
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