Understanding The Dangerous Scam Of Fake Eclipse Glasses

Published: March 31, 2024

As the clock is ticking down to the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse, scammers are inventing even more scams. The scams scammers are creating involve the most important measure of safety for viewing the eclipse, solar eclipse glasses. Yes, that's right, scammers are selling fake solar glasses.

3 Simple Methods To Verify Your Solar Eclipse Glasses

Check To See If A Brand Is Approved

The best way to avoid getting phony glasses is to check one brand you buy beforhand. You can view a vast list of brands approved by the American Astronomical Society on their website. The AAS also recommends avoiding Amazon, eBay, Temu, any other online marketplaces, and whichever marketplace offers the lowest price.

Check If Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Are ISO 12312-2 Compliant

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is non-governmental organization that works to develop international standards. ISO 12312-2 complient lenses only allow between 0.0032% and 0.000061% of light through, and only 3% of infrared radiation. Although legit solar elclipse glasses will often have this label, fake eclipse glasses can spoof it.

ISO 12312-2 complient solar eclipse glasses will typically have this label printed.
Image Credit: AAS

Test Your Eclipse Glasses By Looking At A Lightbulb

One simple and reliable way to check if your solar glasses are legit is to look at a lightbulb through the glasses. If your glasses are legit, you should only be able to see the filament in the center of the lightbulb, it kind of like a small dot. If your glasses are fake, you will see the entirety of the light fixture.

A lightbulb as seen through legitimate solar eclipse glasses.

A lightbulb as seen through fake solar eclipse glasses.

Image Source: Reflactor on YouTube

Effects Of Using Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses

When you look at the sun without proper protection, tiny holes burn through the retina (if you look for just a few seconds, it will usually heal). According to National Geographic, looking at the sun for even less than one minute can cause permanent eye damage. This condition is called solar retinopathy.
The result? After all is said and done, solar retinopathy will create a permate dark spot in your vision, similar to the one in the image.

dark spots overlapping vision is what people with solar retinopathy see in their vision

Dark spots experienced by those with solar retinopathy.
Image Credit: American Society of Retina Specialists

In summary, with the imminent arrival of the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse, the surge in counterfeit eclipse glasses highlights the critical need for caution against scams. Prioritizing safety demands rigorous authentication of protective eyewear through methods such as verifying approved brands, ISO compliance, and testing against a light source. Neglecting these precautions not only risks immediate eye damage but also long-term conditions like solar retinopathy. As we anticipate the eclipse, it's imperative to remain vigilant against scams and prioritize our well-being.