--- title: All-American Solar Eclipse - Free Solar Eclipse Glasses (Spot Fakes) description: Are you planning to view the All-American solar eclipse 21 August? Free solar eclipse glasses are available everywhere, but how safe are they really? image: https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/July%20Blog%20Images/free%20solar%20eclipse%20glasses.png --- [![Precision Eyewear Lab](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/pel_logo.png?width=271&height=247&name=pel_logo.png "Precision Eyewear Lab")](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [English](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [中文](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/cn/) - [Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/) - [Eyewear Testing Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-lab-testing) - [Sunglasses Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/sunglasses-testing) - [Optical Frame Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/optical-frame-testing) - [Reading Glasses Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/reading-glasses-testing) - 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Your data will be stored securely and not shared with third-parties. If you would like to manage your subscriptions please do so in the email that will follow. # All-American Solar Eclipse - Free Solar Eclipse Glasses (Spot Fakes) ![free solar eclipse glasses.png](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/July%20Blog%20Images/free%20solar%20eclipse%20glasses.png) Posted by [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) on 27 July 2017   Are you one of the Millions planning to travel to one of**[12 states](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-maps)** to view the Great American Solar Eclipse? Here are the details on how to protect your eyes with the CORRECT solar eclipse glasses, and where you can find them. On August 21 the moon will cast a 70 mile-wide shadow across 12 states in the U.S. And with all the hype going on it can be easy to forget that you should thoroughly protect your eyes. Surely you’ve seen all the free solar eclipse glasses being distributed across the States, but how safe are they really? [**NASA**](https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/nasas-eyes) **is warning that some of those glasses may not be safe at all** “There are unsafe paper solar glasses being distributed,” said NASA in a press release last week. Similar to 3D glasses, eclipse “glasses” are made from card and inlaid with a unique material that cuts the Sun's light down 100,000 times. However, there are certain precautions you can take to assure the glasses you use to view the solar eclipse directly, don’t cause permanent damage to your eyes. ![free solar eclipse glasses.jpg](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/July%20Blog%20Images/Path%20of%20the%20eclipse.jpg?width=1024&name=Path%20of%20the%20eclipse.jpg "free solar eclipse glasses.jpg") Map courtesy of Nasa - *remember you must be in the dark band (shown on map) to experience a TOTAL eclipse.*   **Let’s Debunk Some Common Myths First** 1. **Really Dark Sunglasses** are fine to use when watching the solar eclipse - NO, you’ll still be burning your retinas, the only difference is you’ll look “cool” while slowly blinding yourself. Dark sunglasses don’t protect your eyes when staring directly into the sun. In fact, they trick your eyes to let in more light, so they can cause even more damage. 2. **Medical X-ray Film** - X-Ray film doesn’t do anythin g to protect your eyes when staring at the sun, the only thing they’re good for is for X-rays, and maybe some cool DIY stuff for kids. 3. **Floppy Discs -** this seems like a good old-fashioned way of watching a solar eclipse. It was stupid in the 80’s, and it’s stupid now. No, they don’t do anything to protect your eyes, but if you still have floppy discs you’re probably on the wrong page. 4. **Homemade Filters** - you’re not paying attention! NASA strongly advises against using homemade solar eclipse viewers, and suggest that they aren’t likely to provide any protection at all. 5. **Welding Helmets** - this is the only exception to the rule, BUT not all welding helmets are created equally. NASA recommends you find a welding helmet with a rating of 14 or higher if you’re planning to view the solar eclipse like a Space Cadet. [![Essential Eyewear QC Inspection Checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/f44edffb-0db1-4f30-9b86-076552ed1f59.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/f44edffb-0db1-4f30-9b86-076552ed1f59)    **So, How Do You Find the Right Solar Eclipse Glasses?** Here are the marks that MUST be on your pair of Solar Eclipse Glasses: - **ISO** - The International Organization for Standardization or “ISO” with a reference number of 12312-2 printed on the glasses. - **CE** - The European Commission’s mark of approval   NASA lists - [American Paper Optics](https://www.facebook.com/American-Paper-Optics-LLC-121281704361/), [Rainbow Symphony](https://www.rainbowsymphony.com/eclipse-glasses/), [Thousand Oaks Optical](http://thousandoaksoptical.com/) and [TSE 17](http://tse17.com/eclipse-shop/) as reputable producers of eclipse glasses whose products can be trusted. [AstroSolar](http://astrosolar.com/en/) Silver/Gold lensed glasses by the Baader Planetarium are also recommended.   ![free solar eclipse glasses-1.png](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/July%20Blog%20Images/free%20solar%20eclipse%20glasses-1.png?width=1024&name=free%20solar%20eclipse%20glasses-1.png)    **One Last Thing** In a previous blog ["undeniable proof that eyewear quality standards are still important"](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/undeniable-proof-that-eyewear-quality-standards-are-still-import) we look at why quality eyewear is crucial to your eye health. Eclipse glasses tend to be quite fragile, and NASA advises that there are instances in which, even if the lenses are manufactured correctly, they may be unsafe. If lenses are scratched or wrinkled they should be discarded and not used, also, glasses older than three years are similarly dangerous.  Stay safe out there and enjoy the Solar Eclipse!!!   *Do you have any questions about eyewear quality? Need any further information about free solar eclipse glasses and how to protect your eyes?* *If so, please leave a comment below and we'll get back to you soonest. * [![Essential Eyewear QC Inspection Checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/7c5e3384-1b34-4b20-8b37-350e4cac27ff.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/7c5e3384-1b34-4b20-8b37-350e4cac27ff) Topics: [Eyewear Manufacturing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/topic/eyewear-manufacturing) ### Share To Your Network - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/IMG_3766a-2.jpg) ### [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) Zenobia Chan is PEL's General Manager, and has been working in the eyewear industry for over 17 years. She has been involved in the entire supply chain from research and development, to order fulfillment, quality management, auditing and product compliance. She established PEL from scratch and is an annual seminar speaker at the MIDO and Hong Kong Optical Fair. More Articles [by Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) ### Recent Blogs ![The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/August%20Blog%20Post%20Images/design_oxygen_a_photo_of_a_pair_of_acetate_glasses_on_a_wooden_aa761d3a_0c83_4203_a32f_8517f130a03d_1.webp) ### The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges Acetate frames have become a popular choice in eyewear, renowned for their exceptional durability, vibrant colours, and comfortable fit. Understanding what makes acetate frames unique, how they compare to plastic, their cost, and their durability can help you decide when choosing your next pair.   ![Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/LI%20Featured%20Image%20(5).jpg) ### Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders With the implementation of the [EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)](https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2024/02/02/https-insightplus-bakermckenzie-com-bm-energy-mining-infrastructure_1-european-union-the-new-european-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_01162024/) in October 2023, achieving carbon neutrality has shifted from a voluntary commitment to a critical requirement for eyewear manufacturers targeting the European market. This new 'green tariff' initiative highlights the urgent need for brands to balance their carbon emissions with robust offsetting measures, directly impacting their market access and competitiveness. ![FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20pair%20of%20sunglasses.jpeg) ### FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US A thorough understanding and adherence to FDA sunglasses requirements is crucial for sunglasses brands aiming to enter or sustain their presence in the US market. As Class I medical devices, general-use eyewear products such as reading glasses, ophthalmic lenses, and non-prescription sunglasses fall under the stringent oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  At PEL, we ensure your eyewear adheres to all FDA certification requirements. Compliance not only fulfills legal requirements but also provides safety and reliability, setting the stage for a detailed look at these critical standards in the following sections. 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