The eclipse glasses market surges before every total eclipse — and so does the supply of fake products. The problem is that a fraudulent pair looks visually identical to a certified one — until you look at the Sun through it. By that point, the damage is already irreversible.
The problem nobody explains properly
Eclipse glasses are not high-end sunglasses. They are extreme neutral density optical filters that block 99.999% of sunlight. The difference between certified and fake pairs is not visible from the outside — both have black lenses and a similar appearance. The difference is in what they let through.
Fake glasses may appear dark when you look at them, but they can allow enough infrared and ultraviolet radiation to burn the retina without the user feeling any pain. The retina has no pain receptors — the damage happens silently and is permanent.
Solar retinopathy — a retinal burn from direct Sun exposure — causes no pain at the time. Symptoms appear hours later: blurred vision, blind spots, image distortion. There is no treatment to recover lost vision.
The only safe glasses for observing the Sun are those that comply with ISO 12312-2:2015. Any other alternative — sunglasses, X-ray film, CDs, smoked glass, photographic negatives — is not safe.
12312-2 Only valid standard for direct solar observation
CE is not enough: the confusion that could cost you your sight
The most common mistake is confusing the CE marking with eclipse safety certification. They are completely different things.
The CE marking indicates that a product meets the European Union's general safety directives. It is mandatory on thousands of products — appliances, toys, clothing. It guarantees absolutely nothing about a filter's ability to block solar radiation.
The standard you need to see is ISO 12312-2:2015 — specifically designed for direct solar observation filters. It is the only certification that guarantees the glasses block enough radiation to protect the retina.
- Explicitly states ISO 12312-2:2015
- Identifiable manufacturer with name and country
- Visible manufacture year — 2025 or 2026
- ISO seal printed on the physical frame
- Reasonable price — minimum €1.50/unit
- Detailed technical description
- Reviews from use in previous eclipses
- Only says "CE certified" without ISO
- Seller with no history or identifiable brand
- No manufacture date
- Price below €0.80/unit
- Generic copied description
- Product photos without showing the physical seal
- Recent seller account or no reviews
How to verify your glasses before the eclipse
If you already have a pair and are not sure whether they are safe, here are the steps to check:
Where not to buy eclipse glasses
Verified glasses: what we recommend at eclipsi26.com
After reviewing the options available in the Spanish market, these are the glasses we recommend — all with verifiable ISO 12312-2:2015 certification and traceable manufacture:
Glasses are compulsory throughout the partial phase — before and after totality. The only moment they are not needed is during the ~90 seconds of complete totality, when the Moon fully covers the solar disc. At that point you may remove the filter from your mobile camera to photograph the corona. The moment the first ray of Sun reappears, glasses go back on immediately.
The complete guide to the
221 municipalities
Choose your observation point from the 221 municipalities in Catalonia with total eclipse — with exact times to the second for each one. Download the free PDF and keep it offline on eclipse day.
Instant download · No registration required
Family Eclipse Memory Book 2026
With the right glasses and your municipality chosen, all that is left is the memory. The family book where children can write how they experienced the eclipse, stick in photos from the day and keep a physical keepsake reliquary.
Sources: ISO 12312-2:2015 — Filters for direct solar observation · American Academy of Ophthalmology · IGN / National Astronomical Observatory. This article does not constitute medical advice. If you experience any visual symptoms after solar observation, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.