Grab Your Glasses: Your Guide to Securing Solar Eclipse Glasses in The Land

by Brittney Oddo

We’re getting closer to the Total Solar Eclipse happening in Cleveland on April 8, 2024. And it’s time to get prepared. Get your hotel, gas up the car and pack your bags. But, don’t forget the most critical item you need on your eclipse adventure – solar eclipse glasses.

During the eclipse, the sun will be too bright to view with our natural eyes. Staring at the sun during this time can cause eye damage. That’s where these specifically made solar viewers come into play. They block out the harmful ultraviolet coming from the sun and allow you to freely view the natural phenomenon.

Where to Get Solar Eclipse Glasses Online

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) maintains a list of Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers — trusted manufacturers and distributors proven to sell solar viewers conforming to the ISO standard. Do not buy solar viewers from any online vendor who does not meet this standard.

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Where to Get Solar Eclipse Glasses In-Person

Great Lakes Science Center Gift Shop

601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Tower City Center
230 W Huron Rd. Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Mac’s Backs-Books on Coventry

1820 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Clevo Books

530 Euclid Ave., #45a, Cleveland, OH 44115 (5th Street Arcade)

Sixth City Cycles

4274 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109

B & L Comics Cards & Nostalgia

5591 Ridge Rd., Parma, OH 44129

Eye Optical, Inc.

5249 Broadview Rd., Cleveland, OH 44134

Solar Eclipse Events
Be sure to check out our Solar Eclipse events calendar as some events may have first-come, first-serve glasses on-site.

Note: All recommendations are while supplies last. Be sure to check with local vendors on inventory and ISO-compliance.

Solar Viewers Safety Requirements

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established safety requirements for solar viewers under ISO 12312-2:2015. All legitimate manufacturers sell solar viewers that conform to this standard. But for events of this magnitude, it’s easy to acquire viewers that do not meet the standard like during the total solar eclipse of 2017 with reports of unsafe solar viewers. Defective viewers from unreliable sources were fraudulently marked as conforming with the ISO standard. For the 2024 eclipse, take great care in acquiring safe solar viewers from reputable sellers.

What Should I Do With My Glasses After The Eclipse?

Cuyahoga Recycles is collaborating with Astronomers Without Borders to collect eclipse glasses at solar eclipse events in Cuyahoga County. After April 8, there will be locations throughout Cuyahoga County where you can drop off your glasses for recycling. Due to the mixed materials of eclipse glasses (cardstock and solar film), these glasses are not recyclable curbside.