SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — As we get closer to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, you might be wondering where you can get eclipse glasses.
During the solar eclipse, the moon will move across the sun, covering the light and making the sky look dark. Once the sun is covered completely, or under totality, it’s okay to look at the sky, but before and after the eclipse, you should wear eclipse glasses to avoid eye damage.
NewsNation’s WSYR spoke to Dr. James Forde, optometrist at Harbor Eye Associates in Oswego, who said staring at the sun during the solar eclipse without protective eye care can put you at risk for permanent eye damage.
“Anywhere that the retina was exposed to that level of energy, it can burn it permanently and hurt your rods and cones, which can give you bad central vision, distorted vision, and it can affect your color vision as well,” said Dr. Forde.
When buying eclipse glasses, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable vendor and know how to identify the key markers that prove the glasses are eclipse-proof.
That’s why WSYR is making it easier for you and providing you with a list of total solar eclipse-proof glasses that the American Astronomical Society approves.
American Astronomical Society approved Solar eclipse glasses
1. Rainbow Symphony
Are you looking for affordable and stylish eclipse glasses? Rainbow Symphony has lots of options to choose from ranging in price from $7.95 to $19.95.
2. Daystar Eclipse Glasses
Daystar has a lot of different custom eclipse glasses including funny and unique designs and patterns. They also give you the option to buy glasses in bulk if you are hosting an eclipse viewing party or are a business or school that wants to give out glasses to hundreds of people.
3. Thousand Oaks Optical
If you’re looking to buy solar eclipse glasses in bulk, Thousand Oaks Optical is another approved seller of eclipse viewers.
4. American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses
If you want eclipse glasses that NASA uses, American Paper Optics is selling several different options for solar eclipse glasses.
5. Celestron
Celestron, a manufacturer of high-quality telescopes, telescope accessories, binoculars and sporting optics, is another good retailer for buying solar eclipse glasses. The company’s EclipSmart Safe brand offers eclipse paper glasses, solar power viewers and premium glasses.
Local stores selling solar eclipse glasses
1. Staples
Staples sells American Paper Optics Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses in person and online.
2. The MOST
If you’re in Syracuse for the day, stop by the Museum of Science & Technology’s (MOST) Science Shop to buy your eclipse glasses. The shop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each pair of glasses is $2 and a household can buy up to six pairs. Anyone who’s a MOST member can also get a solar eclipse kit for free that includes a pair of glasses, a poster and an activity kit.
3. Wegmans
Wegmans is selling solar eclipse glasses in-store as well as solar eclipse merchandise like t-shirts and mugs.
4. Kinney Drugs
Kinney Drugs is selling solar eclipse glasses in stores.
5. Walmart
Walmart in Liverpool posted on its Facebook that they are now selling eclipse glasses.
Can I make my own solar eclipse viewer?
You can also make your own eclipse viewer from a cereal box if you want to save money or use two sheets of paper to make a pinhole projector.
How can I make sure my solar eclipse glasses are safe?
Make sure that wherever you buy, you’re looking for glasses that are labeled “ISO 12312-2” and have an authentic ISO certification label.
Your solar eclipse glasses should also state the following:
- Authentic solar filters
- Proper fit and full coverage
- Reputable manufacturer and vendor
- Free of any defects, punctures, and scratches
- No distortion and proper transmission of limited light
If you already bought glasses and want to make sure they are safe, the American Astronomical Society has a full list of suppliers of safe solar viewers & filters you can check here. If you’re looking to buy on Amazon, here’s a list of approved sellers.
Do you know of a local store selling eclipse glasses? Let us know!
If you know of a local store selling eclipse glasses in Central New York please send the name, address, and other information to our digital team here.
