Warby Parker Is Giving Away Free Solar Eclipse Glasses—Here's How to Get a Pair

On April 8, a rare total solar eclipse will cross several states in North America. If you're in its path of totality, you're likely planning to watch the once-in-a-lifetime event. But one thing you must have before staring up at the sun is eclipse glasses.

If you haven't purchased a pair yet, you're in luck. Warby Parker, a retailer of prescription glasses, announced that all of its stores will be handing out free solar eclipse viewing glasses from April 1 until the big day (while supplies last).

The glasses are ISO-certified, which means they meet the international safety standard for solar viewing. This is important because exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause "eclipse blindness." This exposure can temporary or permanent damage your retinas.

If you can't make it to a Warby Parker location in time, the retailer also has a downloadable template for a DIY eclipse pinhole projector on its website, which is another safe way to watch the celestial event. Just make sure you never stare directly at the sun, even through the pinhole.

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas on April 8 and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. After that, the next opportunity to view an eclipse in the United States will be on August 23, 2044.