On Monday, August 21st, the Great North American Solar Eclipse swept across the United States, providing millions of people with a rare opportunity to witness the Sun’s corona. However, the excitement of this celestial event was overshadowed by a concerning issue: fake eclipse glasses.
The Moorestown Library in New Jersey issued an urgent statement after learning that the eclipse glasses they had distributed to patrons may have been counterfeit. The library had purchased the glasses from Walmart.com, and while they were labeled as being manufactured by Medical King, a brand approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), it is now suspected that they may be counterfeits.
The library advised people against using the eclipse glasses and apologized for the error. One comment on the library’s Facebook post read, “I called a testing lab to see about having my glasses tested for safety. The lab wanted $1200-$1500. I’ll just have to wait and see whether I eventually go blind.”
The AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force had previously issued a warning in late March, stating that they had found evidence of counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses in the market that were falsely labeled as being made by legitimate manufacturers. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public Health recalled eclipse glasses that were sold on Amazon and available in several retail stores in the midwestern state.
As the Moon concluded its brief stint of blocking the view of the Sun, people took to the internet to complain about eye pain. According to Google Trends, searches for “my eyes hurt” and “why do my eyes hurt” surged after the total solar eclipse ended on Monday. There were approximately 100 cases of eclipse-related retinopathy following the 2017 solar eclipse across the U.S. and Canada, according to AAS. However, we still don’t have figures for the number of people who may have been affected by the most recent eclipse.
The issue of fake eclipse glasses highlights the importance of being cautious when purchasing eye protection for such events. The AAS recommends using only glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for eye protection during a solar eclipse.
The Moorestown Library’s mistake serves as a reminder to always verify the authenticity of products, especially when it comes to something as important as eye protection during a solar eclipse. It is better to be safe than sorry, and to prioritize your eye health by using only legitimate and safely tested eclipse glasses.
In conclusion, while the Great North American Solar Eclipse provided a rare and awe-inspiring experience for many, it also served as a cautionary tale about the importance of eye protection and the potential dangers of fake eclipse glasses. We must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure the safety of all individuals who choose to observe such celestial events.