Eclipse Glasses In Cinnaminson: Where To Find Safe Solar Viewers

CINNAMINSON, NJ — If you plan to watch April 8's total solar eclipse, now is the time to make sure you have proper eyewear for safe viewing.

Several retailers and authorized online businesses are offering solar viewers. With demand likely to increase as eclipse day nears, those who wish to view the celestial event from Cinnaminson shouldn't wait until the last minute to obtain proper eyewear.

And you shouldn't just buy the cheapest pair you can find. It's essential to use eyewear approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — a nongovernmental organization of 45,000 subject experts.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has identified companies offering ISO-approved solar viewers and filters that will allow you to safely view the eclipse when used properly.

Looking at a solar eclipse without proper protection can cause short- and longterm eye damage. So if you plan to view the total solar eclipse, make sure you have proper eyewear — there won't be another one like it until 2044.

Here are some ways to get ISO-approved glasses for viewing the eclipse.

In Stores

Warby Parker is currently giving away solar eclipse glasses for free at each store (up to two pairs for family, while supplies last). The retailer has locations in Cherry Hill and Marlton.

The following chains are also selling ISO-compliant eyewear at some locations:

• Staples
• Lowe's
• Wegmans
• Cracker Barrel
• Walmart
• 7-Eleven

The AAS recommends buying them in-store, since some major retailers use different suppliers for their website. Buying in-person also ensures that you'll have your eyewear in time for the eclipse.

The Library

Several library networks are offering eclipse glasses, including the Burlington County Library System. The BCLS is holding several eclipse-related events in which attendees can obtain free glasses between now and eclipse time.

Approved Manufacturers

The AAS has a list of several U.S. companies that manufacture eclipse glasses and/or handheld solar viewers. Some of them have eyewear available for online sale.

Here's the astronomical society's list of North American manufacturers:

• American Paper Optics / eclipseglasses.com
• Rainbow Symphony
• American PaperWear (Solar Rollens viewers)
• Grafix Plastics (sheets and rolls, wholesale only)
• Halo Eclipse Spectacles
• Celestial Optical (EclipseGuard glasses | SolarShield sheets)
• Thousand Oaks Optical
• Seymour Solar (Hyperion sheets)
• Flip'n Shades (clip-ons for baseball caps)
• DayStar Filters

Check out the AAS's list of companies that manufacture and/or import ISO-approved glasses.

Can I Use An Old Pair Of Eclipse Glasses?

Perhaps you have some glasses or viewers from a prior eclipse. You may re-use them as long as they're ISO-compliant and "if their filters aren't scratched, punctured, torn, coming loose from the frame, or otherwise damaged," the AAS says.

Some products have printed warnings stating that you shouldn't use them for more than 3 minutes at a time or more than 3 years after purchasing. But those warnings are outdated and no longer apply to ISO-approved eclipse viewers.

Check the AAS's instructions for safe viewing.