Demand for Solar Eclipse Glasses Surges as Stocks Deplete

People are scrambling to find protective eyewear ahead of a significant solar eclipse, with stocks running low at museums, shops, and online retailers. In the UK, the event is expected to be the most significant since 1999, with approximately 90 percent of the Sun set to be obscured. Demand has been so high that the Royal Museums Greenwich sold out due to an unprecedented volume of orders, and some customers have turned to local bakeries or WhatsApp channels to find available stock.

Health officials and experts warn against looking directly at the Sun without certified protection, as brief exposure can cause lasting damage. The UK Health Security Agency advises that glasses should meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2 and should not be scratched or torn. Experts also caution against using old glasses from 1999 or purchasing uncertified products from online marketplaces, noting that counterfeit and substandard glasses often emerge during major eclipses.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists explains that the retina has no pain receptors, meaning people will not feel damage as it occurs. The college noted that around 70 people experienced vision problems after the 1999 eclipse, with 40 percent of those affected having looked at the Sun for less than a minute. For those without glasses, the safest alternative is to watch the event indirectly through a broadcast or livestream.