About Eclipse Glasses

Not All Eclipse Viewers Are The Same – Make Sure You Know Before You Go!

Welcome to Total Eclipse DFW. As anticipation builds for the celestial events of 2023 and 2024, it’s crucial to prepare. Our collection ensures that when the day arrives, you’ll experience the annular spectacle with clarity and safety. Our range includes Eclipse glasses crafted for optimal solar viewing. They aren’t just ordinary sunglasses; they are your gateway to observing solar wonders in complete security.

Experiencing the 2024 Solar Eclipse in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  While many viewers will want to commemorate the occasion with photos and keepsakes, all people will need lab-tested ISO-certified Eclipse glasses to protect their eyes. 

The Total Eclipse DFW Eclipse viewing glasses are manufactured by American Paperwear , so you can be assured they are safe and that they will commemorate your experience watching this Total Eclipse in the best viewing location in North America! When our supply of branded glasses is gone, we will offer non branded, yet equally safe, glasses from American Paperwear.

Note: American Paperwear has been recognized by the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force as a supplier of safe solar viewers/filters by meeting stringent lab-tested criteria for safety. And, Total Eclipse DFW is recognized by the American Astronomical Society as a trusted Reseller for Eclipse viewing glasses.

How to Know Your Eclipse Glasses are SAFE

When it comes to safely observing a solar eclipse, the only way to absolutely know you have SAFE and ISO-COMPLIANT viewers is to verify the manufacturer or reseller with the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) list of Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers.

AAS’s list includes only those manufacturers and sellers who have demonstrated compliance with the rigorous standards of ISO 12312-2, an international guideline for solar observation safety. Companies not featured on this list cannot be deemed reliable for providing safe eclipse glasses.

The importance of using special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers, cannot be overstated. These are designed specifically to view the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun.

It’s a startling fact that these special-purpose filters are at least 1,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses, which, along with homemade filters, are categorically unsafe for solar viewing. This underscores the critical need for adhering to expert recommendations for a safe and awe-inspiring eclipse experience.

What is ISO 12312-2? 

ISO 12312-2 is an international safety standard that specifies the requirements for solar filters used in solar viewing devices such as specialized glasses made specifically for looking directly at Sun. Glasses for solar eclipses that conform to this standard offer proper protection against harmful solar radiation. The ISO 12312-2 standard ensures that the filters block sufficient infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light, making them safe to view a Solar Eclipse.

Total Eclipse DFW Solar Eclipse viewing glasses are ISO 12312-2 certified.

Fraudulent Eclipse Glasses

In 2017, the excitement of the Total Solar Eclipse led to a surge in sales of Eclipse glasses and other solar-viewing products by Amazon vendors, capitalizing on the event. However, safety concerns arose over the standards of these products, leading to Amazon offering full refunds and accepting product returns as reported by Slate.

This situation highlighted the potential liability of retailers for selling (or giving away) defective products. If an organization falsely advertises a product or assures its safety, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. Navigating product liability claims can be complex and typically requires legal expertise, but they can provide compensation for victims of defective products. These claims are valid even if the injured person didn’t purchase the product or was injured by someone else using it.

A Note About Glasses and Safety

The following warning has been re-printed from the American Astronomical Society’s website to help you understand the potential dangers when purchasing glasses made for the solar eclipse from providers that do not require testing.

Important: You’ll notice that we don’t list Amazon, eBay or other online marketplaces here. In the weeks leading up to the August 2017 U.S. Solar Eclipse, such sites hosted numerous sellers of glasses and other solar viewers that had not been properly tested and shown to be safe. We recommend that if you shop in an online marketplace (for example, to find Eclipse glasses at the lowest price), you make sure that (1) the seller is identified on the American Astronomical Society site and (2) the seller is listed on this page. Otherwise, you can’t be sure you’re getting a product you can trust to protect your eyes.

American Astronomical Society

Total Eclipse DFW is recognized by the American Astronomical Society as a trusted company for Eclipse glasses.

Total Eclipse DFW has earned recognition from the American Astronomical Society as a reputable supplier of glasses for Solar Eclipses sourced from manufacturers, importers, and distributors included in the approved list. Consumers are strongly recommended to only purchase Eclipse viewing glasses from companies endorsed by the American Astronomical Society’s Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers. This curated list offers links to reliable suppliers of solar filters and viewers, ensuring your confidence in the safety and proper usage of these essential items.

NASA Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses

Also important: Some vendors claim that their solar viewers are approved or endorsed by NASA. NASA does not approve or endorse products. Some vendors print the ISO logo on their viewers or claim that they’re “ISO certified.” ISO prohibits the use of their logo on products and does not certify products; only properly accredited test labs can certify that products meet ISO standards, as noted on the “About the ISO 12312-2 Standard” page.

Read more about the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Eclipse Task Force guidelines: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

*Order now and Eclipse glasses will be delivered starting in February 2024. If you need them sooner, please contact us Info@TotalEclipseDFW.com. 

Eclipse Glasses 101

Why You Need to Wear Specialized Glasses During An Eclipse?

You need solar glasses for Eclipses when looking directly at the Sun. Without proper protection, you can cause severe eye damage or even blindness. Sometimes, this might lead to a condition called solar retinopathy or “eclipse blindness.” According to the American Astronomical Society, “Eclipse glasses are designed to block the Sun’s brightness and intense visible light, allowing you to safely view the Eclipse without risking eye injury.”

Important safety tips when using Eclipse glasses during the Total Solar Eclipse

1. Always inspect your glasses for Solar Eclipses before use. Discard the glasses if they are scratched, damaged, punctured or torn.
2. Follow the instructions provided with your Solar Eclipse viewing glasses.
3. Supervise children to ensure they use the glasses correctly.
4. You should cover your eyes with Eclipse glasses before looking at the Sun. Ensure you look away from the Sun before removing them.
5. Never use regular sunglasses, cameras, binoculars, telescopes, or any other optical device to look at the Sun. Without proper protection, these devices can cause damage to both the glasses and your eyes.

Do I have to wear my Eclipse glasses during Totality? 

No. The Path of Totality is where the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face during a Total Solar Eclipse. During Totality, you can briefly remove your glasses to view the Eclipse. However, as soon as the Sun starts to reappear, put your glasses back on.

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