Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low
Specialist glasses are all but sold out online ahead of the UK's most significant eclipse since 1999.
In central London, a bakery is experiencing a surge in demand for eclipse glasses, with staff reporting sales of around 100 pairs this morning. These specialized eyewear are in high demand as people eagerly anticipate Wednesday's solar eclipse, the UK's most significant in over two decades. However, the supply chain is struggling to meet the sudden surge in demand.
Online retailers that sell glasses meeting safety standards have seen their stock rapidly depleted, with many pairs requiring expensive next-day delivery or simply unable to arrive in time for the event. Even reputable retailers like the Royal Museums Greenwich have sold out, citing an unprecedented volume of orders.
The UK Health Security Agency has advised that any eclipse glasses should bear the international safety standard ISO 12312-2 on their lenses, ensuring they are free from scratches, tears, or damage. Experts warn that even a small portion of the sun breaking through the glasses can cause irreversible eye damage, as the retina has no pain receptors and fails to register discomfort.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has reported around 70 cases of vision problems following the 1999 total solar eclipse, with approximately 40% of those affected experiencing issues after only a minute of exposure.
Despite the difficulty in obtaining the right equipment, experts emphasize that the safest way to observe the eclipse is indirectly, such as through a livestream or broadcast. The specialized glasses are vastly different from regular sunglasses and should be seen as a one-time investment, as there won't be another opportunity to view this type of eclipse for a long time.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
