What Eyewear For Solar Eclipse?

One of the most awe-inspiring celestial events that we can witness is a solar eclipse. An important point to remember is that witnessing a solar eclipse requires safety. One must never directly view the phenomenon without protective eyewear designed to shield one's eyes from solar radiation, as it can harm the cells in the retina.

This damage can either be temporary or permanent and can bring forth altered colored vision, distorted vision, and, in the worst cases, blindness. Hence, for you to safely view and enjoy the beauty of this rare celestial event, ISO 12312-2 certified glasses or solar viewing filters should be used to avoid harming your eyesight.

Are you wondering if your regular sunglasses are enough to protect your eyes from seeing the solar eclipse?

If that's the case, you’re on the right track! In this article, we will delve into the different kinds of safe eyewear for viewing this rare celestial event, but before we dive deeper, let us understand why special protection is a necessity in the first place.

 

Why Regular Sunglasses Aren't Enough

No matter how tinted and dark your regular sunglasses are, they are most likely not enough for solar eclipse viewing since they allow thousands of times more sunlight to pass through and do not offer adequate UV and infrared protection.

Eclipse viewing requires filters that block 100,000 times more light than regular glasses. Solar eclipse eyewear or solar safe viewers, on the other hand, must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard, which makes these eyewear thousands of times darker to block 99.999% of visible light and nearly all UV and infrared radiation.

As such, sunlight intensity is reduced by a factor of over 100,000 to prevent complex and serious eye injuries like solar retinopathy or blindness.

 

Key Features of Solar Eclipse Glasses

Eclipse glasses come with different features. It is important that you look into the following features to find the perfect protective eyewear for your eclipse viewing:

• ISO 12312-2 Certification: This certifies that the eyewear passed in-depth and comprehensive testing.
• UV and IR Protection: Certified Eclipse eyewear shields your eyes from ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
• Optical Density: You should look for eclipse glasses with an optical density of five or greater. Anything less isn’t safe for you.
• Scratch-free lenses: Any damage to the lenses may compromise your safety, so always check before using them.

 

Best Types of Eyewear for Solar Eclipse

There are multiple safe options for you to view a solar eclipse. You can use eclipse glasses, solar viewing filters, clip-on filters, or pinhole projectors.

Eclipse Glasses

Eclipse glasses may look like simple cardboard glasses, but they are equipped with a special solar filter. This type of glasses is known as the most common and accessible protective eyewear for solar viewing.

They are:

• They are mass-produced and are often produced using inexpensive materials, making them affordable.
• You can find these glasses in many reputable stores, either in-store or online; hence, they are widely available.
• They are specially designed for eclipse viewing to guarantee your safety.

Nonetheless, these glasses are only safe if they are free from any damage, since any scratch or hole renders them unusable. You should always check for visible damage and confirm the ISO certification printed on the frame.

If you want a smooth and seamless transaction, you can directly check Vintage Eyewear’s meticulously curated collection of ISO-approved eclipse glasses. Shop now!

Solar Viewing Filters

Binoculars, telescopes, and cameras require solar viewing filters. This protects your eyes and your equipment from the intensity of solar radiation. It is highly recommended to avoid using improvised solutions such as sunglasses, CDs, or smoked glass since these compromise your safety and must never be used.

Use only filters from well-known manufacturers and never put untested filters between your eyes and the eyepieces to prevent any effects that can harm your eyesight and your gear.

Clip-on Filters

Clip-on filters are designed as a convenient alternative for people who wear prescription glasses. These filters can be attached directly to the existing prescription eyewear and are also available from multiple reputable Eclipse Gear providers and optometry shops.

They must also meet the ISO 12312-2 standards for your safety, so always check for ISO certification.

Pinhole Projectors

Pinhole projectors are ideal when eclipse glasses are not available. This is a secure, indirect method, even for kids. This technique passes the sun's image through a tiny hole onto a flat surface.

You can do a DIY Pinhole Projector by following these instructions:

1. To make a quick version of the pinhole projector, take a sheet of paper and make a tiny hole in the middle of it using a pin or thumbtack. Make sure that the hole is round and smooth.
2. The second sheet of paper will act as a screen. Hold it at a distance, and you will see an inverted image of the Sun projected on the paper screen through the pinhole.
3. To make the image of the Sun larger, hold the screen paper further away from the paper with the pinhole.

 

How to Identify Safe Eyewear

Fake eclipse glasses are prevalent, especially if an eclipse is coming up. It is important that you ensure your eclipse eyewear or filter is safe so that you have the assurance that this marvelous sight will not negatively impact your eyesight.

• Always check for ISO 12312-2 printed on the glasses or packaging.
• Look for a clear and marked manufacturer’s name and address.
• Be mindful of products that lack labeling or come from an unknown seller. When in doubt, do not use them.
• Check the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) list of approved vendors.

 

Do You Need Special Eyewear for Partial Eclipses?

Yes! It is highly important that you wear your eclipse glasses throughout the phases of the eclipse. This is because a partial eclipse may look less intense, but the sun’s rays may still permanently damage your eyes.

It is only during the totality and after the sun is fully covered that you can safely remove your protective wear. Put your eclipse glasses back on the moment the sun re-emerges.

 

Can You Reuse Eclipse Glasses for Future Solar Eclipses?

Yes, eclipse glasses are reusable, but only if they are free from any scratches and punctures. Reusing warped or faded filters and glasses with worn-off ISO labels is highly discouraged.

Also, avoid using expired eclipse glasses. A shelf life of 3 years is usually recommended by most manufacturers.

 

Can You Wear Prescription Glasses Under Eclipse Glasses?

Yes! Eclipse glasses are specially designed to be worn over prescription glasses, even if they feel bulky. Nonetheless, if the bulkiness bothers you, you can alternatively use clip-on solar filters made for prescription glasses.

Remember to prioritize your safety, and never replace your prescription lenses with eclipse lenses or use multiple layers of unverified lenses.

 

What To Do if Your Eclipse Glasses Get Scratched or Damaged?

Even the tiniest damage in your eclipse glasses can compromise their safety. Discard the scratched or punctured lenses immediately, and do not try to repair them with patches or tape. Always inspect for visible damage before use.

 

See the Moment—Safely and Stylishly.

When witnessing and enjoying a solar eclipse, you should always ensure your safety. Whatever you do, your eyesight should be your top priority. Never depend on do-it-yourself glasses, busted equipment, or regular sunglasses, but instead, always put on ISO 12312-2 approved eclipse glasses or filters.

Here at Vintage Eyewear, we don’t just consider your style. Most importantly, we also look after your safety! Check out our vintage eyewear collection, and let us help you find the best protective gear that fits you perfectly.

With us, you are assured that luxury is always coupled with timeless sophistication and high functionality. We also firmly believe that if you wear proper eyewear, you won't only view the elegance of the eclipse today but also ensure your healthy eyesight for the next eclipse– and a couple more after it.

Take a look at the majestic wonders of an eclipse without compromising your eye health. Explore our collection today; shop now!