In a proactive move to ensure consumer safety, Amazon has issued a warning to customers who purchased solar eclipse glasses online, notifying them that the glasses they bought may not be safe for viewing the upcoming eclipse on April 8th. The online retail giant sent out an email on Friday to affected customers, urging them not to use the purchased glasses and offering refunds.

The email specifically mentioned the product "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 - CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs)" as potentially unsafe, as it was not included in the American Astronomical Society's list of safe suppliers of solar eclipse viewers and filters. Amazon expressed an abundance of caution and recommended customers not to use these glasses for the upcoming eclipse.

The American Astronomical Society has recently compiled a vetted list of vendors that produce safe glasses for solar eclipse viewing. It appears that Amazon cross-referenced this list with its sellers to identify potentially unsafe products.

Concerns have been raised about counterfeit eclipse glasses flooding the market, with at least one factory in China identified as producing fraudulent glasses bearing the name and address of a legitimate factory. This makes it difficult for consumers to ascertain the authenticity and safety of the glasses they purchase.

Carol Schulz, a resident of Penfield, New York, received the email notification and expressed her worries about the potential dangers of using unsafe glasses. Schulz shared that her cousin had ordered the glasses from Amazon and was planning to distribute them to their extended family. She emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the issue to prevent eye damage.

Amazon has assured customers that they will receive full refunds for the identified unsafe glasses, with refunds being issued to the original payment method or as an Amazon Gift Card if the payment method is no longer available. The company has urged customers to contact their Customer Service directly if they have any concerns about other products they have purchased.

To differentiate legitimate glasses from counterfeit ones, the American Astronomical Society advises customers to test them by putting them on inside and checking if they can see anything aside from very bright lights. They should then take the glasses outside on a sunny day and observe that they should not be able to see anything through the glasses except for the faint reflection of the sun off shiny surfaces or puddles.

As the solar eclipse approaches, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and ensure they possess the appropriate and certified protective eyewear for viewing this celestial phenomenon.