6 weeks until Eclipse 2017: Eclipse glasses

Eclipse 2017 is just six weeks away. Are you prepared?

One of the most important things to remember is that you must protect your eyes.

Eclipse glasses may look silly and they are certainly not the most stylish eyewear out there. But they will save you from permanent eye damage including eclipse blindness.

When selecting your eclipse glasses, make sure you look for the ISO certification seal. They will also most likely indicate that they are safe for solar viewing.

There are still folks who mistakenly think some really dark sunglasses will work. Megan McConachie with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau says, “Unfortunately, that is not true at all. Just like on any normal day you wouldn’t look up at the sun with just your normal sunglasses, the same goes for eclipse day. So, it is incredibly important to have special certified glasses on hand for the 21 st .”

You can get the free Columbia Water and Light safety glasses at Columbia’s Convention & Visitors Bureau at 300 S Providence Rd., Columbia City Hall or Broadway Brewery.