DETROIT – Before and after the upcoming solar eclipse reaches what's called totality, the outer atmosphere of the sun will produce enough light intensity that it will damage your vision.
Even though Detroit residents won't get to see the full eclipse, their eyes could still be in danger.
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"The problem with that is if you stare directly at the sun or at an eclipse, it can cause permanent damage to the eye," retina specialist Dr. Omar Punjabi said.
There are special glasses that will filter out harmful rays, but before you head online, beware of the phony ones.
Amazon is taking action and issuing refunds to customers who bought their eclipse-viewing glasses from a manufacturer that doesn't comply with industry standards. Amazon also removed several listings for knockoff glasses on its website, so how do you know if your glasses are the real deal?
"They're silver on the front (and) black on the back side," said Kris McCall, of the Cernan Earth & Space Center. "They'll have official markings here."
The markings are important. Look for an ISO logo, which means the glasses meet an international safety standard. In all the writing is the number 123122. Then you'll know you have the right pair, and if you're still questioning it, there are some steps you can take.
Put on the glasses and look at a light bulb. You should only see the light and nothing around it. If you see the lampshade, your glasses aren't going to protect your eyes.
If the lenses are scratched or wrinkled, they're not safe, and if they're older than three years, don't use them. Most places are handing out the glasses for less than $5. Some places, like Warby Parker in Detroit, are giving them away for free. If a place is charging big bucks, it might be a ripoff.