August 12 solar eclipse: Protective glasses increasingly out of stock in France
Near-total eclipse visible in south-west on Wednesday evening
Protective glasses for the August 12 solar eclipse are increasingly difficult to find in France, with many shops reporting that they have sold out as anticipation mounts.
The eclipse on Wednesday evening will be almost total in parts of south-west France and partial elsewhere in mainland France, making it one of the year's most anticipated astronomical events.
But anyone planning to look directly at the Sun will need specially designed eclipse glasses. Ordinary sunglasses, including very dark ones, do not provide adequate protection.
The rush for eclipse glasses has left many retailers out of stock, while the authorities have warned consumers to be particularly careful when buying them online.
Consumers should look for the CE marking and ISO 12312-2 certification, as well as instructions and safety warnings in French. The manufacturer's or importer's contact details should also be provided.
Glasses should be checked for scratches or damage before use. The authorities advise holding them in front of a strong light: points of light visible through the filter can indicate tiny holes in the material
Looking directly at the Sun without suitable protection can cause irreversible retinal damage. The injury can be painless, with vision problems sometimes appearing several hours after exposure.
Eclipse glasses: safety and where to find
If you are still looking for eclipse glasses, the French authorities advise checking the following before buying:
CE marking: Make sure the CE mark is present on the product.
French instructions: Instructions for use and safety warnings must be provided in French. Follow them carefully when viewing the eclipse.
Manufacturer details: The manufacturer's contact details, and those of the importer where applicable, should be shown on the glasses, packaging or an accompanying document.
Undamaged filters: Check that the filters are not scratched or damaged. Holding the glasses in front of a strong light can reveal tiny points of light caused by holes or damage to the filter.
The French government has also specifically warned against reusing glasses bought for the 1999 solar eclipse, as their filters may have deteriorated over the intervening years.
During the eclipse, the authorities recommend taking breaks and not looking at the Sun for more than three consecutive minutes, even when wearing approved eclipse glasses.
Children require particular care. Eclipse glasses are not suitable for children under three, who should not be allowed to observe the eclipse.
Anyone developing blurred vision, spots in their field of vision or distorted images after viewing the eclipse should seek urgent medical attention or call 15.
The authorities advise people who have not yet obtained suitable glasses to do so as soon as possible, rather than waiting until August 12.
They can be found in pharmacies, opticians and supermarkets - subject to availability
When exactly will the eclipse be visible?
Up to 99.5% of the sun will be obscured in parts of the south-west, around 97.8% in Toulouse, more than 96% in Bordeaux, Montpellier and Marseille, 92.2% in Paris and around 89.9% in Strasbourg.
Although the whole country will not experience a total eclipse, some areas will see almost all of the sun covered, however the extent of coverage and the possibility of clear skies will vary depending on location.
