To verify your eclipse glasses, first check for the ISO 12312-2 certification label. Next, confirm they’re less than three years old and show no physical damage like scratches or tears. Perform a light test—you shouldn’t see anything through them except the sun itself. Finally, make certain you purchased them from a vendor on the American Astronomical Society’s approved list. These simple steps could mean the difference between safely enjoying the eclipse and risking permanent eye damage.
Look for the ISO 12312-2 Certification Label
When checking eclipse glasses for safety, your first step should be confirming the ISO 12312-2 certification label.
This international standard guarantees your glasses properly filter harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation while allowing safe visible light for solar viewing.
Don’t risk serious eye injury by using uncertified filters. Legitimate eclipse glasses undergo rigorous testing by accredited laboratories to verify they meet strict safety standards.
The ISO certification should be clearly visible on either the glasses themselves or their packaging.
Be wary of counterfeit products that falsely claim certification. If you don’t see the ISO 12312-2 label, don’t use them for the eclipse.
Verify Manufacture Date and Shelf Life
Beyond certification, your eclipse glasses need to be recent enough to provide reliable protection. Check for a manufacture date printed on the frames—glasses older than three years may no longer guarantee safe solar eclipse viewing.
Even high-quality solar filters degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness against harmful radiation. Look carefully for signs of wear, including scratches or tears, which indicate immediate replacement is necessary.
Reputable manufacturers include expiration dates on their products for good reason. Without a clear manufacture date, it’s best not to risk your eyesight during solar viewing. When in doubt, purchase new glasses from trusted sources.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding shelf life and proper storage. The minor cost of replacement is insignificant compared to protecting your vision during this spectacular astronomical event.
Examine Physical Condition for Damage or Deterioration
Thorough inspection of your eclipse glasses before use remains the most critical safety step you can take.
Carefully examine the safe solar filter lenses for any scratches, tears, or warping that could compromise their ability to block harmful UV and IR radiation. If you notice any discoloration of the lenses, this indicates deterioration of the filter material and you should discard them immediately.
Check that the frames are intact and undamaged, as broken frames won’t provide the stability needed during viewing.
Glasses that have been improperly stored or kept for extended periods deserve extra scrutiny, as age can degrade filter effectiveness.
A simple test: when wearing your eclipse glasses, you shouldn’t see any ordinary light sources. If you can, they’re unsafe—discard them and obtain properly certified replacements.
Perform the Light Test to Check Filter Integrity
After inspecting your eclipse glasses physically, you’ll need to verify their optical safety through a simple yet essential light test. Your eclipse viewers must meet ISO standards to block harmful infrared (IR) radiation.
| Test Location | What You Should See | What Indicates Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors | No visible light from lamps | Any light passing through |
| Outdoors | Can’t see distant objects | Visible surroundings |
| Sun Glance | Sharp, bright solar disk | Blurry or indistinct sun |
| House Lights | Complete darkness | Any visible light |
| Post-Test | No new scratches | Scratched glasses need replacement |
If you can see ordinary light sources through your solar eclipse glasses, they don’t meet the safety standard. Remember, a safe solar filter should make everything except the sun itself completely invisible. Don’t risk your eyesight with compromised eclipse viewers.
Confirm Vendor Legitimacy Through Trusted Resources
Purchasing eclipse glasses from legitimate sources is essential for protecting your vision during a solar event. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) maintains a list of vetted solar viewers that meet safety compliance standards—always check this resource first when evaluating vendor legitimacy.
Look for eclipse glasses that explicitly meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, which guarantees protection against harmful UV and infrared radiation.
Don’t trust claims of NASA approval unless the manufacturer is recognized, like American Paper Optics.
To verify authenticity, inspect glasses for the ISO mark and confirm there are no scratches or tears.
Avoid impulse purchases from unverified online ads or random searches. A reputable vendor will have a clear history of adherence to safety standards and transparent information about their products’ certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Way to Test Eclipse Glasses?
Yes, there’s a way to test eclipse glasses. Wear them indoors under bright light—you should only see very bright lights. Outdoors, you shouldn’t see distant objects, and the sun should appear as a sharp-edged disk.
How to Make Sure Eclipse Glasses Are Certified?
To make sure your eclipse glasses are certified, verify they display the ISO 12312-2 mark, purchase only from AAS-listed vendors, and check for lab testing documentation from the manufacturer. Avoid glasses claiming “NASA approval.”
How Do You Know You Have the Right Glasses for the Eclipse?
You’ll know you have the right eclipse glasses when they’re ISO 12312-2 certified, show no damage, and block everything except bright light sources. Test them indoors first—you shouldn’t see anything except intense light.
How to Test Eclipse Glasses With Cell Phone Flashlight?
You can test your eclipse glasses with a cell phone flashlight by shining it directly at the lenses. If you can’t see the light or only see a very faint outline, they’re likely safe.
In Summary
Don’t take chances with your eyesight during an eclipse. Always check for ISO certification, verify manufacture dates, inspect for damage, test light filtration, and purchase from reputable vendors. Remember, proper eclipse glasses should make the world appear completely dark except for extremely bright lights. If you’re uncertain about your glasses’ safety, it’s better to find new ones than risk permanent eye damage.
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