New York City – Counterfeit solar eclipse glasses originating from China have raised concerns among officials in the US, who warn that these fake glasses could lead to “temporarily impaired vision” or even “permanent blindness.” The American Astronomical Society has recently revealed evidence of these dangerous fakes entering the market, posing a significant risk to the tens of millions of individuals planning to witness the solar eclipse’s totality zone. Additionally, many more people are expected to view the partial event from outside this zone.
The suspect glasses are designed to resemble authentic glasses produced by County Qiwei Craft Co., but they can be easily identified as fake due to their lack of darkness compared to standard sunglasses, as highlighted by the AAS. Real solar glasses should be at least 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses, according to Rick Fienberg, the Project Manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force.
Authentic solar glasses should also bear an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification on the frame. However, officials warn that even this certification can be counterfeited. Legitimate solar glasses should only allow the user to see the Sun’s reflection off a shiny surface or puddle during a sunny day, with everything else appearing faint.
To ensure the authenticity of solar glasses, users are advised to have them lab tested. Officials also provide a list of credible vendors to purchase solar glasses from. Despite the presence of counterfeit glasses in the market, some have been effective after testing, creating challenges in accurately estimating the scale of the issue.
In response to the growing concerns, New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the importance of using proper eyewear when viewing an eclipse directly. Offering tips to ensure the safety and legitimacy of solar eclipse glasses, James urged individuals to be cautious and obtain glasses from reputable sources to avoid potential risks. New Yorkers can obtain free solar eclipse glasses from various locations within the city, such as libraries, Moynihan Train Station, and rest stops along the Thruway, particularly with the eclipse passing through western and far upstate New York on Monday afternoon.