BETHLEHEM, Pa. — “I wear my sunglasses at night,” goes the 1984 hit song, "Sunglasses at Night" by Corey Hart.
But when it comes to viewing a total solar eclipse, the warning from experts is that sunglasses are not the same.
Which is why Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry is alerting consumers of scammers selling glasses to view the eclipse on April 8.
“Do your research to make sure the glasses you buy will thoroughly protect your eyes and allow you to safely view the solar eclipse.”Michelle Henry, Pennsylvania Attorney General
Staring at the solar eclipse without eye protection, even for just a few seconds, can result in permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy, a potentially drastic and permanent reduction of vision without cure.
Scammers have capitalized on growing consumer demand to buy glasses to view the eclipse. According to the American Astronomical Society, fake glasses have flooded the market.
The only safe way to look directly at the sun is through special-purpose solar filters such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers.
Henry advises consumers to be certain their glasses are marked with the international safety standard — certification number ISO 12312-2.
The number can be found on the glasses’ frame.
“This is a fun and exciting global event,” Henry said in a news release. “And that widespread anticipation has attracted scammers looking to make a buck without consideration of potential harm.
“Do your research to make sure the glasses you buy will thoroughly protect your eyes and allow you to safely view the solar eclipse.”
The Lehigh Valley is not forecast to be in the direct path of the total eclipse; it is expected to view a deep partial eclipse, around 92%.
