Naturspektakel: Sonnenfinsternis - Wo könnte es noch Schutzbrillen geben?

On Wednesday evening, a partial solar eclipse can be seen across Germany. To witness this celestial spectacle, one must use the appropriate eye protection. However, searching for a suitable solar eclipse eyeglass might prove challenging. Where could one still find a solar eclipse eyeglass, and why ordinary sunglasses are insufficient.

Opticians could serve as the first point of contact. The Central Association of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Optometrists (ZVA) reports that many practice branches offer solar eclipse eyeglasses. Yet, due to the apparently high demand, some already sold out. A ZVA spokesperson explained to Deutsche Presse-Agentur that whether one can still acquire an eyeglass very shortly before the event strongly depends on the respective establishment and its stock.

Therefore, the association advises consulting a nearby ophthalmologist. This approach has another advantage: those uncertain about the suitability of an already owned or newly purchased eyeglass for solar observation can seek guidance. Planetariums and observatories also provide protective eyeglasses for the observation evening.

Furthermore, "SoFi-glasses" are available in retail, for instance, at electronics retailers such as MediaMarkt, via Amazon, or at specialized astrophotography shops and optical mail-order services like Bresser. However, one should pay attention when placing an online order to ensure the eyeglass can actually be delivered in time.

Why is a protective eyeglass necessary in the first place? Even during a partial solar eclipse, sunlight is strong enough to damage the retina. Particularly deceptive: "The retina has no pain receptors. Affected individuals therefore often notice the damage only later," says Felicitas Bucher, a general practitioner at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Medical Center Freiburg.

A solar eclipse eyeglass therefore possesses a special filter foil that allows only a minimal fraction of sunlight to pass. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide such protection. Those without a protective eyeglass can still indirectly observe the eclipse, for example, by using a pinhole camera that projects the image of the Sun through a small hole in cardboard onto a bright surface.