A near-total solar eclipse, the first in over 25 years for western Europe, has prompted a widespread scramble for protective eyewear. Secretive WhatsApp groups have been used to alert members to new "drops" of eclipse glasses in London, while queues formed outside corner shops in the early hours of Wednesday.
Prices for the glasses have reportedly doubled, with some entrepreneurial sellers charging up to £20 a pair. Ali Raza, owner of AM2PM convenience store in Whitechapel, stated he sold 6,000 pairs on Wednesday, having received a delivery from Spain at 2:30 am and selling out by 9:30 am. He also noted customers travelling from as far as Surrey, Southend-on-Sea, Southampton, and Birmingham.
The Royal Greenwich Observatory confirmed it had sold over 15,000 pairs in the last month and has now run out. Exmoor National Park also reported being out of stock, with a spokesperson indicating they would not need more until 2081. Sunglass Hut branches have displayed signs clarifying they do not sell eclipse glasses due to being inundated with enquiries.
Viewing the eclipse without special glasses that filter visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light can damage the retina. Panayiotis Maghsoudlou, a clinical lecturer in ophthalmology at the University of Bristol, explained that during an eclipse, the sky darkens, pupils widen, and the reduced glare makes staring at the sun feel comfortable, increasing the risk of injury. Symptoms of damage, such as blurred vision or blind spots, may not appear immediately.
Concerns have also been raised about counterfeit glasses. Kyla Black, Boots Opticians' director of optical practice, advised using certified eclipse glasses that meet the international ISO 12312-2 safety standard.