Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Eclipse Glasses and Solar Observation Safety

We strongly recommend buying your solar eclipse glasses several weeks before any upcoming eclipse.

As the event approaches, demand rises exponentially, and many people try to place last-minute orders. This surge often causes shipping delays and logistical bottlenecks, preventing glasses from arriving on time.

Additionally, suppliers may run out of stock since inventory depletes quickly in the days leading up to the eclipse. Once this happens, finding certified glasses from trusted sources can become difficult—or even impossible.

To guarantee your safety and peace of mind, we recommend securing your glasses early and avoiding last-minute stress.

Preparing in advance ensures timely delivery and gives families with children the chance to practice safe eclipse viewing ahead of time.

Fake eclipse glasses can be extremely dangerous because they may not block harmful solar radiation.

Always buy your eclipse glasses from reliable, established brands like Spectrum.

While many suggest looking for the ISO 12312-2 certification logo printed on the glasses, this label can be counterfeited.

A more reliable guarantee of safety is to purchase glasses from a brand with a proven track record of compliance and transparency.

At Spectrum, all our eclipse glasses are:

  • Independently tested and certified in both the manufacturing and sales countries.
  • Fully compliant with ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 standards.
  • Accompanied by publicly accessible lab reports—we are the only company that publishes them on its websites.

Technically, no—if they are undamaged and have been stored properly.

If your glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 standard and the lenses have no scratches, holes, or visible damage, they can be reused indefinitely.

That said, we recommend caution. Over time, improper storage or use can cause micro- damage not visible to the naked eye. For this reason, many sources advise discarding glasses that are over 3 years old.

When in doubt, the safest option is to replace them.

To prolong the life of your eclipse glasses, follow these tips:

  • Store them flat in their original packaging, a protective envelope, or a ziplock-style
    plastic bag.
  • Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Do not fold or crease them, as this can damage the solar filter.

A surprisingly effective storage spot? The fridge (inside a sealed bag), where temperatur and humidity stay low.

We recommend not cleaning them unless absolutely necessary. If you notice dust or smudges:

  • Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the lenses.
  • Never use water, solvents, or cleaning products.
  • Keep the cardboard frame completely dry; moisture can warp it or loosen the lenses.

Yes! Spectrum eclipse glasses are designed to fit securely on both adults and children.

However, children should always use them under adult supervision.

If you’ll be watching an eclipse with small children, practice indoors beforehand so they lear
how to wear them correctly.

Total solar eclipses:

You must use certified eclipse glasses at all times except during the brief moment of totality—when the Moon completely covers the Sun—at which point you can look directly
without protection.

As soon as the Sun begins to reappear, put your glasses back on.

There are misconceptions about totality: some people believe there are still harmful rays, but this is false.

During totality, the Sun’s bright photosphere is completely blocked, and only the faint corona is visible, whose light is not harmful to the eyes.

Partial and annular eclipses:

You must use eclipse glasses at all times, even at maximum coverage, since part of the Sun
remains visible.

With eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, there’s no strict time limit regarding radiation exposure. However, for comfort and safety:

  • Take short breaks to rest your eyes.
  • Avoid staring continuously for long periods.

NASA warns that “watching the Sun for several minutes straight, even with proper filters, can overheat eye tissues and fluids.”

Yes. Even a tiny exposed fragment of the Sun can cause permanent retinal damage.

The retina’s photosensitive cells (cones and rods) are extremely delicate. During t day, the pupil contracts to limit light, but the Sun’s surface is so bright that even a small fraction can harm your eyes if viewed directly.

Damage can occur even after a quick glance.

  • Never look directly at the Sun.
  • Always use certified eclipse glasses or proper solar filters.

If you notice any changes in your vision after viewing an eclipse, see an eye care professional
immediately.

Spectrum glasses are certified to ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 standards, meanin they filter harmful solar rays and are safe when used properly.

However, certification alone does not prevent damage if the glasses are misused, damaged, or
improperly worn.

It is the user’s responsibility to carefully follow safety instructions.

Never look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope without a solar filter, eve while wearing eclipse glasses. These devices magnify sunlight, can damage the filter, and allow intense light to enter your eyes, causing serious injury.

It is only safe to look at the Sun through these devices if certified solar filters are securely mounted on the front.

Watching a solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience, but it must be done safely. Incorrect use of eclipse glasses can cause severe eye damage, even after brief exposure.
If you’ll be watching with children, we recommend practicing these steps indoors beforehand. Children must always be supervised by an adult during the eclipse.

Step 1: Use Only Certified Eclipse Glasses

Before anything else, make sure your glasses are:

  • Certified to ISO 12312-2 and CE EN 169/1992 standards for safe solar viewing.
  • Purchased from a trusted source like Spectrum.

Inspect the glasses carefully and discard any with scratches, holes, warping, bubbles, or loose film.

Never use damaged glasses under any circumstances.

Step 2: Practice with Children (If Applicable)

Eclipses are exciting for kids—but safety comes first!
If you’re watching with children:

  • Practice the steps indoors beforehand.
  • Make sure they understand the process.
  • Supervise them at all times.

Step 3: Prepare for Safe Viewing

  • Read and understand these instructions before going outside.
  • Put on the glasses while looking at the ground—never look at the Sun without prope protection.
  • Hold the glasses firmly against your eyes to block ambient light.
  • If you wear prescription glasses, place the eclipse glasses over them.
  • Adjust for a good fit; you can hold them with your hands for extra stability.

Important: Never look at the Sun first and then put on the glasses. You must have them on before looking up.

Step 4: Observe the Eclipse Safely

  • Once your glasses are on correctly, look toward the Sun.
  • Observe in short intervals—no more than 2 to 3 minutes at a time.
  • When you want to stop looking, lower your eyes to the ground before removing the glasses.

Step 5: Rest Your Eyes

After viewing:

  • Close your eyes for a few seconds to let them rest.
  • Blink gently or use artificial tears if you feel dryness.
  • Take frequent breaks and avoid continuous staring to reduce eye strain.

Bonus: Storing Your Glasses for Next Time

Keep them in their original envelope or a ziplock bag.

Store in a cool, dry place—a drawer or even the fridge works!

Never fold or bend the filters—they are delicate!

Remember:

  • Always supervise children
  • Use only certified glasses
  • Never look at the Sun without protection
  • Take breaks and keep your eyes healthy
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