Solar eclipse sparks scramble for protective glasses across Europe

Europe is in a race to secure protective glasses in preparation for a rare total solar eclipse. Pharmacies, opticians and other shops are struggling to keep up with demand. In Spain, where parts of the country will experience totality, many distribution points have already run out of glasses. Madrid's National Museum of Natural Sciences had exhausted its supply, and some pharmacies in central Madrid still had a few pairs left, selling them for between €3-€4.

Barcelona's Carles Sisquella had been out of stock for 10 days. Doctors caution that looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can cause serious eye damage. In Brussels, where the Moon will cover about 90 percent of the Sun, people are also racing to find glasses. Some opticians and pharmacists are out of stock, while others are receiving last-minute shipments.

France, where the eclipse will be partial, has seen pharmacies stripped of supplies and charging higher prices. Some pharmacies are asking customers to return later for additional shipments. Portugal's Club da Visao network of opticians offered glasses for free, but supplies have run out at many locations. Eye specialists warn against using uncertified alternatives, and authorities in Spain have withdrawn six models from the market due to potential eye injuries.