Telling fake solar eclipse glasses from real deal
You may have bought solar eclipse viewing glasses that may not be up to industry standards. The American Astronomical Society warns that some companies are fraudulently marketing their glasses as NASA-approved. Without the proper protection, however, you could risk going blind or suffering permanent eye damage while viewing the eclipse. The Better Business Bureau explains how you can tell if your glasses are fake.
“On the side of the glasses, it should say ISO 12312-1 [or 12312-2], and that indicates the kind of film that’s used and that’ll help block out those dangerous rays that you’re getting from watching the eclipse,” said Samantha Gillihan, a marketplace manager with Better Business Bureau Northwest.
Make sure the film doesn’t have any creases or bubbles, or any kind of defect that would let sunlight in. And buying the glasses online is not the only way you can get them.
“Places like Chamber of Commerce, visitors’ centers, local schools and museums, they have glasses for low or no cost for the community,” Gillihan said.
When you do get your glasses, test them out, but test with a less intense source of light before trying them on the sun.
“Test them with a light bulb, if you can see that light bulb through [the lenses] you’re probably not dealing with glasses that are strong enough for the eclipse and you shouldn’t watch the eclipse with them,” Gillihan said.
Make sure your glasses have an “ISO” certification stamp on the inside of them. But scammers are even printing fake stamps. Therefore, if you do decide to buy online, buy from an established seller and site, test them and get a second opinion.
“You can take them to local eye doctors or other professionals that may be able to say, ‘Yeah, I feel comfortable with you looking at the eclipse.’ So if you did buy them online and you’re not 100 percent certain, its really important to do a little research and make sure you’re getting something that is going to protect your eyes. Don’t get your eyes damaged this eclipse,” Gillihan said.
KIFI/KIDK is selling certified eclipse glasses for $2 a pair. They are NASA-approved and will protect your eyes. You can visit our station at 1915 N. Yellowstone HWY in Idaho Falls to purchase them.
