Solar eclipse sparks scramble for protective glasses across Europe

A rare total solar eclipse is prompting a mad rush to secure protective eyewear across Europe. Pharmacies, opticians and shops are struggling to restock the specialized glasses needed to safely view the celestial event. In Spain, where parts of the country will experience totality, many stores have already sold out of certified glasses.

A notice at Madrid's National Museum of Natural Sciences announced its supply of glasses had run out. The museum had joined a government campaign to distribute two million free glasses. Some Barcelona opticians have been out of stock for 10 days, leaving many people unable to find glasses. Doctors warn that looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can damage the retina.

In Brussels, people raced to find glasses, with pastry chef Arno Dossogne securing a limited shipment from a small optician. France also saw a shortage, with some pharmacies out of stock while others charged higher prices. Opticians reported increased demand far beyond their initial stock. Authorities in Spain have even withdrawn six models of glasses due to safety concerns.