Solar eclipse: protective glasses in short supply across France
Published on 11/08/2026 - 19:03 GMT+2•Updated 21:33 In recent days, special eclipse glasses have been...
Published on 11/08/2026 - 19:03 GMT+2•Updated 21:33
In recent days, special eclipse glasses have been flying off the shelves in pharmacies and specialist shops in France. Faced with ever-rising demand, some outlets are already out of stock, while others are placing repeated orders in an effort to meet customers' needs.
"We didn't have any for three days, but this morning we received a good stock that should see us through to Wednesday evening," explains Aurélie Letavi, a pharmacy assistant, speaking to AFP.
Demand is so strong because these protective glasses are absolutely essential.
To watch the eclipse – that moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun – you must wear special glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard and carry the CE mark, which are vital to protect your eyes.
They are sold in pharmacies, at opticians and in certain specialist chains, with prices ranging from €1.50 to €4 per pair.
Retinal burns and irreversible eye damage
Experts all agree: looking at this solar eclipse with the naked eye can have long-term consequences. In just a few seconds, the sun’s rays can burn the retina and cause irreversible eye damage.
"The danger lies in retinal burns. And because we tend to stare at the sun’s disc, the burn will occur at the level of the macula or just next to it. This area is very small, about 500 microns in diameter. It is where the cones and rods are located. This is the zone that allows you to see colours and to have sharp, detailed vision. So if you burn this area, you lose your precise vision. And that damage is irreversible," warns Dr Eric Frau, an ophthalmologist and retina specialist.
The last total solar eclipse visible in Europe dates back to August 1999. At the time, 1,024 people consulted a doctor after the eclipse in mainland France. Among them, around 300 showed a retinal abnormality, according to the Institut de veille sanitaire (InVS) (source in French). One hundred and forty-seven patients (14%) had retinal damage and 106 (10%) had damage to the cornea.
Watching the solar eclipse: a few rules to follow
In France, the Ministry for the Economy and the Ministry of Health have launched an awareness campaign (source in French) in the run-up to the event.
A few basic rules have been set out so that as many people as possible can enjoy the spectacle without taking unnecessary risks.
- Before the eclipse -For buying protective glasses, opt for recognised retailers (opticians, specialist chains, pharmacies, reputable associations);-Check for the CE mark (glasses certified to ISO 12312-2);
- During the eclipse
-Do not look at the sun for more than three consecutive minutes;
-Take breaks between viewing periods to rest your eyes;-Pay particular attention to children, who are often less aware of the danger."It is not more dangerous for a child. It is simply that children are harder to keep under control. And if they do suffer a burn, they will be affected for the rest of their life," explains Dr Frau.
The solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August will also be visible from northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland. It will then be necessary to wait until 2081 for such a spectacle to cross mainland France again.
