Solar eclipse sparks scramble for protective glasses across Europe

A scramble for protective glasses has intensified across Europe in anticipation of a rare total solar eclipse on Wednesday, as pharmacies, opticians and other retailers face stock shortages. Spain, where parts of the nation will experience totality, has seen many distribution points report running out of certified protective glasses.

Madrid's National Museum of Natural Sciences, among 30 science institutions participating in a government campaign, distributed two million free pairs of glasses, but has exhausted its supply, according to a notice posted at its entrance.

Opticians and pharmacies in Madrid still had some stocks on Tuesday, selling certified glasses for €3-€4 per pair. However, Carles Sisquella, an optical shop owner in Barcelona, reported being out of stock for 10 days. Many individuals may struggle to find glasses, warned doctors, as looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can damage the retina and harm cells responsible for sharp central vision.

In Brussels, where about 90 percent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, people also raced to find glasses; some opticians and pharmacists were out of stock. Arno Dossogne, a pastry chef, managed to secure glasses at a small optician's store that received a last-minute shipment.

France, where the eclipse will be partial, has seen some pharmacies stripped of their supplies, while others continue receiving shipments and charging higher prices. Paris's La Pharmacie du Soleil saw customers lined up outside on Monday afternoon, disappointed when staff displayed an empty box. The pharmacist asked customers to check back later, as another shipment of 500 pairs was expected that evening.

France's Federation of Pharmaceutical Trade Unions president Philippe Besset expressed surprise at the demand, stating that suppliers had initially offered pharmacies around 200 pairs each, enough to equip about four million people. However, demand far exceeded expectations, and many pharmacies sold their entire orders within a week.

In Spain, authorities withdrew six models from the market due to the risk of eye injuries following the shortage.