Our Free Solar Glasses Are Unsafe, Warns Glencoe Public Library

GLENCOE, IL — With less than a week to go until a solar eclipse, the Glencoe Public Library warned the public not to wear the free eclipse glasses it has been distributing to patrons over recent weeks. In an alert issued Wednesday, the library said it distributed 130 pairs of the glasses before it learned that they have not been verified as ISO compliant.

The library said that it has learned that Amazon, where it purchased the glasses, has issued a warning regarding unverified glasses. Using glasses that are not verified as ISO compliant may damage your eyes if you look at the sun while wearing them, according to the alert.

The library urged anyone who received orange glasses with "SolarEclipseGlasses2017.com" written on them (pictured) not to view the sun while wearing them.

The library offered a full list of vendors approved by the American Astronomical Society.

Some companies have been taking advantage of the eclipse to make a quick buck, and fake glasses are flooding the market, according to NASA. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Glencoe, Winnetka — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

• Total Solar Eclipse 2017: Best Spots To See It In Illinois
• So What is a Solar Eclipse?
• Total Solar Eclipse: 5 Questions Answered

Watch: Eye Protection Is Critical For Viewing The Solar Eclipse

To protect your eyes Aug. 21 during the Aug. 21 big event, NASA says you should also look for the certified ISO icon and the number 12312-2 on eclipse glasses to be sure they will properly block the light.

Patch editor Shannon Antinori contributed.

_{Top photo: Non-ISO compliant solar eclipse glasses distributed by the Glencoe Public Library | via Glencoe Public Library}