NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Thousands of people are trying to get their hands on solar eclipse glasses ahead of the event on Monday, April 8.
“Lines all around the front of the building and around the side of the administration side of the Jefferson Parish library here at the East Bank Regional [Library],” said Jefferson Parish Library Director Jessica Styons. “It was crazy. It was lots of fun.”
On Friday, Jefferson Parish Library staff distributed solar eclipse glasses until they ran out. They had started with 3,000 pairs.
“They’re made from cardboard. They’re going to be flat when you get them, and you’ll have to bend them to fit,” explained Styons. “They do ask that you inspect them each time. Make sure that they are not damaged or torn.”
A New Orleans Public Library spokeswoman said Friday they also ran out of glasses, but the Warby Parker on Magazine Street has them.
We spoke with Ochsner ophthalmologist Dr. Sidharth Puri about the importance of solar eclipse glasses. He said think of a magnifying glass or a laser.
“That’s what the sun’s essentially doing if you look straight at it during the eclipse,” said Puri. “It’s going to focus directly onto the important light sensing area in the back of the eye called the retina, which I take care of, and can almost, like a laser pointer [or] sniper, damage that retinal tissue.”
Damage to the retinal tissue could cause blindness.
There are, however, options for those without solar eclipse glasses.
“If you’re not looking or planning to look at it, you don’t have to technically wear eye protection, although it is encouraged to have it on hand, especially during this period of time,” Puri said.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has partnered with American Astronomical Society to provide a list of retail chains selling solar eclipse glasses.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
