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Terms And Conditions for use of the Eclipse Glasses

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Instructions for Use of Eclipse Glasses

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Recommendations for Using Eclipse Glasses

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Frequently Asked Questions

About Eclipse Glasses and Solar Viewing Safety

1. When Should I Buy Eclipse Glasses?

We strongly recommend purchasing your solar eclipse glasses several weeks in advance of any upcoming solar eclipse.

As the eclipse approaches, demand increases exponentially, and many people rush to place last-minute orders. This surge often leads to shipping delays and logistical bottlenecks that can prevent glasses from arriving on time.

Additionally, suppliers may run out of stock as inventory sells out quickly in the days leading up to the event. Once that happens, it becomes difficult—or even impossible—to find certified eclipse glasses from trusted sources.

To ensure your safety and peace of mind, we recommend securing your glasses early and avoiding the last-minute rush.

Early preparation ensures timely delivery and also gives families with children an opportunity to practice safe eclipse viewing in advance.

Counterfeit eclipse glasses can be extremely dangerous, as they may not block harmful solar radiation. Always purchase your eclipse glasses from trusted, established brands like Spectrum.

While many sources suggest looking for the ISO 12312-2 certification logo printed on the glasses, this label can be forged. A better guarantee of safety is buying from a brand with a track record of compliance and transparency.

At Spectrum, all our eclipse glasses are:

⦁ Independently tested and certified in both the country of manufacture and the country of sale.

⦁ Fully compliant with ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 standards.

⦁ Accompanied by publicly available lab test reports—we are proud to be the only company publishing them on our websites.

Technically, no—if they are undamaged and properly stored.

If your eclipse glasses are ISO 12312-2 compliant and the lenses are free from scratches, punctures, or any damage, they can be reused indefinitely.

Despite this, we recommend caution. Over time, improper storage or handling can lead to micro-damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. For this reason, many sources will recommend discarding eclipse glasses if they are more than 3 years old.

When in doubt, it’s safest to replace your glasses.

https://eclipse23.com/blogs/eclipse-education/proper-storage-of-eclipse-glasses

https://eclipse23.com/blogs/eclipse-education/caring-for-your-eclipse-glasses-cleaning-and-storage

To extend the lifespan of your eclipse glasses:

⦁ Keep them flat in their original packaging, a protective envelope, or a plastic sleeve like a ziplock bag.

⦁ Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.

⦁ Do not bend or fold them—this can damage the solar filter.

A surprisingly good storage spot? The refrigerator (inside a sealed bag), where temperature and humidity are low.

We advise against cleaning unless absolutely necessary. If dust or smudges appear:

⦁ Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the lenses.

⦁ Never use water, solvents, or cleaning agents.

⦁ Keep cardboard frames completely dry—moisture can warp them or loosen the lenses.

Yes! Spectrum eclipse glasses are designed to safely fit both adults and children.
However, children should only use eclipse glasses under adult supervision. If you’re planning to watch an eclipse with young children, take time to practice using the glasses indoors beforehand to ensure they understand how to wear them properly.

Total Solar Eclipses: You must use certified eclipse glasses at all times, except during the brief moment of totality—when the Moon completely covers the Sun—can you safely remove your eclipse glasses and look with the naked eye. As soon as the Sun begins to reappear, put the glasses back on

Misconceptions exist around totality—some believe harmful rays are still present. This is false. During totality, when the bright photosphere of the Sun is completely covered by the moon, only the faint light from the corona is visible, and this radiation is not dangerous or harmful to the eyes.

Partial & Annular Eclipses: You must use certified eclipse glasses at all times, even during the peak of the event, because part of the Sun remains visible.

With ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses, there is no strict time limit for safe viewing in terms of radiation exposure. However, for comfort and safety:
⦁ Take short breaks to rest your eyes and prevent fatigue.

⦁ Avoid continuous viewing for extended periods.

NASA warns that «staring at the Sun for minutes at a time even with proper filters can still overheat the tissues and fluids in the eye.»

Absolutely. Even a tiny sliver of exposed sunlight can cause permanent retinal damage.

The rods and cones in the human retina are very sensitive to light. Normally during daylight conditions, the iris contracts so that only a small, safe amount of light passes through the lens and then reaches the retina.

However, the Sun’s surface is so bright that even a thin sliver of its light can still damage the eye if you were to look directly at it. When exposed to direct sunlight, retinal cells will become damaged, sometimes permanently.

This can happen even after a quick glance at the Sun so it is very important to never look at the Sun directly.

Always use certified eclipse glasses or solar filters, and never look directly at the Sun.

If you experience any vision changes after viewing the eclipse, consult an eye care professional.

Spectrum eclipse glasses are certified to ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 standards, meaning they filter out the Sun’s harmful rays and are safe when used correctly.

However, certification alone doesn’t prevent eye damage if the glasses are misused, damaged, or worn incorrectly. It is up to the user to follow safety instructions diligently.

Never look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, binoculars, or telescope, even if you’re wearing eclipse glasses. These devices amplify the sun’s rays and the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious eye injury!

Only look at the Sun through these devices if they have dedicated certified solar filters securely mounted on the front.

How to Safely Use Eclipse Glasses

Watching a solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience—but it must be done safely. Improper use of eclipse glasses can lead to serious eye damage, even during brief exposure.

If you’re viewing with children, we strongly recommend practicing these steps indoors beforehand. Children should always be closely supervised during the eclipse.

Step 1 : Use Only Certified Eclipse Glasses

Before anything else, ensure your glasses are:
⦁ ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 certified for safe solar viewing.

⦁ Purchased from a reputable source like Spectrum.

⦁ Undamaged—inspect the lenses carefully for scratches, holes, warping, bubbles, or loose film.

Do not use damaged glasses under any circumstances.

⦁ Read and understand these instructions before going outside.

⦁ Put on your eclipse glasses while looking down at the ground—never look at the Sun without proper protection.

⦁ Hold the glasses firmly and flush against your eyes to block out ambient light. If you wear prescription glasses, simply place the eclipse glasses over them.

⦁ Adjust for a snug fit. You may need to hold them in place for better comfort and alignment.
⚠️ Important: Never look at the Sun and then put on your eclipse glasses. Always put them on before looking up.

⦁ Once your eclipse glasses are securely on, look up at the Sun.

⦁ Observe for short intervals—no more than 2 to 3 minutes at a time.

⦁ When you’re ready to stop, look down at the ground before removing your glasses.

After viewing:
⦁ Let your eyes rest—keep them closed for a few moments.

⦁ To prevent dryness, blink gently or use lubricating eye drops if needed.

⦁ Take regular breaks and avoid continuous viewing to reduce eye strain.

How to Safely Use Eclipse Glasses

Your Step-by-Step Guide for Eye Protection During a Solar Eclipse

Watching a solar eclipse is magical—but only if it’s done safely. Follow these easy steps to protect your vision and enjoy the moment without risk.

Step 1: Check Your Glasses

Use Certified Eclipse Glasses Only
Before you do anything else:
Make sure your glasses are:

⦁ ISO 12312-2

⦁ CE EN 169/1992

⦁ Purchased from a reputable brand like Spectrum

Inspect carefully:

⦁ No scratches

⦁ No pinholes or bubbles

⦁ Filters not loose or peeling

Damaged? Don’t use them. Ever.

Eclipses are exciting for kids—but safety first!
If you’re watching with children:
⦁ Practice the steps indoors first

⦁ Make sure they understand the process

⦁ Supervise them at all times

⦁ Read the instructions fully before heading outside.

⦁ Stand still and look down at the ground.

⦁ Put on your eclipse glasses securely—press them flat against your face to block side light.

⦁ Wearing regular glasses? No problem—just place the eclipse glasses over them.

Never look at the Sun and then put your glasses on. Put them on first, then look up.

⦁ With your eclipse glasses on, look up at the Sun.

⦁ View for 2–3 minutes max at a time.

⦁ Look back down at the ground before removing the glasses.

After viewing:
⦁ Close your eyes and let them rest

⦁ Blink slowly or use eye drops if they feel dry

⦁ Take breaks—there’s no need to stare continuously

Even with certified filters, staring for long periods can cause eye strain or dryness. NASA recommends regular breaks.

Keep them in their original envelope or a ziplock bag
Store in a cool, dry place—a drawer or even the fridge works!
Never fold or bend the filters—they’re delicate!

Remember:

⦁ Always supervise kids

⦁ Use only certified glasses

⦁ Never look at the Sun without protection

⦁ Take breaks and keep your eyes healthy