When a solar eclipse is on the horizon, many people scramble to find ways to safely view this rare celestial event. But can your everyday blue light glasses do the trick? The answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of blue light glasses, what’s actually needed to view a solar eclipse safely, and why confusing the two could be dangerous.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Designed for Digital Eye Strain
Blue light glasses are specially designed eyewear intended to block or filter out blue light emitted from digital screens—like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Prolonged exposure to this type of light has been linked to:
- Digital eye strain
- Headaches
- Disrupted sleep cycles
These glasses are typically used indoors and offer protection from artificial light sources.
What Happens During a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, temporarily blocking the sun’s light. During this brief event, people often look skyward in awe—but looking directly at the sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy.
Even during a partial eclipse, the intensity of sunlight is strong enough to damage the retina within seconds. That’s why special solar filters or eclipse glasses are recommended.
Can Blue Light Glasses Protect Your Eyes During a Solar Eclipse?
Short Answer: No
While blue light glasses have their benefits for digital eye strain, they are not designed for solar viewing. Here’s why:
- Blue light lenses filter visible light, not the intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays emitted by the sun.
- They lack solar filters that reduce sunlight to safe levels for direct viewing.
- Using them during a solar eclipse offers zero protection against eye injury.
Important: Even stacking multiple pairs of sunglasses or blue light glasses will not provide the necessary protection. Only ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses are safe for direct eclipse viewing.
What Makes Eclipse Glasses Different?
Eclipse glasses are made with special-purpose solar filters that block:
- 99.999% of visible sunlight
- All UV and IR radiation
These filters allow you to safely view the sun during any phase of a solar eclipse—partial or total—without risking your vision. Legitimate eclipse glasses will have a label indicating ISO 12312-2 international safety standard compliance.
What If You Don’t Have Eclipse Glasses?
Safer Alternatives to Blue Light Glasses
If you missed your chance to buy eclipse glasses, don’t worry—there are other safe ways to enjoy the show:
- Pinhole projector: A DIY method using cardboard and a small hole to project the sun’s image onto a surface.
- Welder’s glass (#14 or higher): Provides adequate protection if it meets safety standards.
- Live streams: Many observatories and science channels stream the eclipse in real-time online.
Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection—not even for a second.
Common Myths About Eclipse Viewing
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
- “It’s cloudy, so I don’t need protection.” – UV rays can penetrate clouds. Always use eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods.
- “I can use my phone camera.” – You might not damage your eyes, but your camera sensor could be ruined without a proper solar filter.
- “Blue light glasses are better than nothing.” – Unfortunately, they offer no eclipse protection at all.
How to Prepare for the Next Solar Eclipse
If you’re excited about watching an upcoming solar eclipse, take these steps:
- Buy eclipse glasses early from a verified retailer.
- Test them before the event to ensure no scratches or damage.
- Educate others—especially children—about safe viewing practices.
- Find the best viewing spot in your area with a clear sky and unobstructed view.
Conclusion: Leave Blue Light Glasses Indoors for the Eclipse
Blue light glasses are not good for viewing a solar eclipse—period. While they’re great for protecting your eyes from screen glare and digital fatigue, they are completely ineffective against the intense rays of the sun.
To safely enjoy a solar eclipse, you need ISO-certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods. Don’t risk your vision by using the wrong eyewear. Plan ahead, get the right gear, and enjoy the wonder of the cosmos—safely.
