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In central London, a bakery has recently experienced a surge in demand—not for its usual baked goods but for eclipse glasses. A staff member revealed to the BBC that around 100 pairs were sold during the morning, highlighting how eager customers are to secure the necessary eyewear ahead of Wednesday’s solar eclipse. This event, the most significant eclipse visible in the UK since 1999, has prompted many to seek out appropriate equipment to view it safely.
Specialist glasses meeting international safety standards are essential to protect eyes from damage during the eclipse, as experts have repeatedly advised against looking directly at the Sun. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends using glasses that bear the ISO 12312-2 certification, and cautions that any pair with scratches or tears should be avoided. Despite the clear warning, obtaining these safety-certified glasses has become a challenge. Online retailers have mostly sold out, and those still available either come with expensive next-day delivery fees or won’t arrive in time. Even reputable outlets such as the Royal Museums Greenwich have completely run out, overwhelmed by what they describe as an “unprecedented volume” of orders.
Concern about eye safety is well-founded. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists warns that even brief exposure to the Sun’s rays without proper protection can cause permanent retinal damage—damage that occurs without pain because the retina lacks pain receptors. Mohamed Elalfy, president of the college, stresses this point and recalls that around 70 individuals suffered vision issues after the 1999 eclipse, with about 40% of those affected having looked for less than a minute. People noticing any change in their vision after viewing the Sun are advised to promptly seek professional eye care.
Imo Bell, an astronomer at The Royal Observatory Greenwich, clarifies that eclipse glasses differ significantly from ordinary sunglasses, which do not provide adequate protection. She explains, “They block out so much light that you can’t see anything through them except the Sun.” The UKHSA also notes that regular sunglasses may reduce glare, making it more comfortable to look at the Sun for a longer period, which could inadvertently increase eye damage. Additionally, devices such as binoculars, telescopes, or camera viewfinders should not be used even with eclipse glasses, as their magnification can undermine the glasses’ protective effect. For those without access to certified eyewear, alternative methods like pinhole projectors offer a safe way to observe the eclipse indirectly. Bell encourages people to prepare carefully, emphasizing, “We’re not going to get one this good for a really long time.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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