Here’s where to look for safe eye protection for solar eclipse [Video]

DALLAS — The total solar eclipse is coming April 8 and the time to get your eye protection in place is now. Special eclipse glasses are extremely important to keep your eyes safe during the celestial spectacle.

“Looking at the solar eclipse, you can do damage in as short a time as 60 to 100 seconds. The real problem is the retina doesn’t have pain receptors so you really don’t know you’re doing damage at the time,” said Dr. Amanda Hoelscher, an optometrist at Key-Whitman Eye Center.

The American Astronomical Society created this list of certified retailers, many with locations in North Texas. Retail chains such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart are reliable places to buy glasses in person. Plus, Dallas Public Libraries, Sonic, Klyde Warren Park, the University of Texas at Arlington’s planetarium, ad other local viewing events are giving away free glasses.

Dr. Hoelscher said she worries some in the community won’t take the …