On August 12, millions of French people will look up to the sky to admire the solar eclipse. A rare sight… but one that can leave irreversible after-effects if you are not properly equipped. In a press release published on July 23, 2026, the government calls for the greatest vigilance.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Economy point out that a simple pair of sunglasses is not enough to observe the Sun: only frames specially designed for eclipses, capable of filtering 100% of ultraviolet rays, can protect your eyes.
Why sunglasses are not enough
At first glance, wearing “simple” sunglasses may seem sufficient to view the eclipse. However, wearing glasses (even very dark ones) does not protect. The same goes for embossed cinema glasses, smoked lenses, photographic negatives and even filters for cameras.
Another point of vigilance: glasses purchased during the total eclipse of 1999 must no longer be used.because their filters are likely to be altered, even without apparent signs of degradation“, warns the government.
But what exactly do you risk by wearing the wrong frame?
Observing the Sun without suitable protection or with non-compliant glasses can cause “potentially irreversible eye damage”, warns the press release.
The most worrying? These lesions are completely painless at the time of exposure. The first symptoms, such as blurred vision, spots in the field of vision or image distortion, may not appear until several hours later.
The DGCCRF strengthens controls before the eclipse
To protect the population, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control has launched a national campaign of checks on manufacturers, importers and distributors of eclipse glasses.
Nearly 90 professionals have already been inspected. Investigators check in particular “compliance of products with European safety requirements”. If non-compliant glasses are detected, they will be withdrawn from the market, their marketing suspended or the stocks destroyed. In the event of a proven danger to health, the professionals concerned also face criminal prosecution and a fine of up to 200,000 euros.
Good reflexes before observing the eclipse
Before buying your glasses, it is better to be extra vigilant, especially if you go online. Favor identified sellers, such as opticians, pharmacies, specialized brands or recognized associations.
Also take a few moments to check several elements: the presence of the CE marking, the ISO 12312-2 certification, a user manual written in French as well as the contact details of the manufacturer or, if necessary, the importer.
A final check can avoid many unpleasant surprises. Place the glasses in front of a strong light source, such as a lamp. If you see small points of light through the filter, it means that it is damaged and the glasses should not be used.
On the day of the eclipse, even with proper glasses, do not look at the Sun for more than three minutes at a time. Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and always keep your glasses on if you take photos. It is also recommended to use a specific filter to protect your camera, binoculars, spotting scope or phone.
Finally, the authorities invite parents to be extra vigilant with their children, who are often unaware of the danger. Warning: eclipse glasses are not suitable for children under 3 years old.
Finally, if you notice a drop in your vision, spots or distortion of images in the hours following the observation, immediately consult an ophthalmologist or call 15.