Some Amazon eclipse glasses won't arrive in time for the big event - and people are furious

As eclipse glasses sell out at retailers across the US, customers are panicking as they realize that their glasses may not arrive in time for the once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Retailers including REI, Walmart, and Best Buy have sold of their eclipse glasses online. Amazon still has glasses available through third-party retailers - but there's a catch. 

At least some of the eclipse glasses sold on the e-commerce site are scheduled to arrive after August 21, the day of the solar eclipse. And, some other third-party sellers on the site are giving vague estimates as to when the glasses will arrive or be back in stock, meaning they could arrive before or after the eclipse. 

Eclipse glasses are the only safe way to watch the eclipse, according to the American Astronomical Society. Looking directly at the eclipse at any moment except the brief period when the moon has fully eclipsed the sun without certified glasses could damage your eyes. 

People are understandably freaking out about if their glasses will arrive on time. 

One source told Business Insider that she had almost purchased a five-pack of eclipse glasses on Amazon, before double checking the date - and realizing that they wouldn't arrive until September. 

 

If you've already ordered glasses online, it might be a good idea to check when they're supposed to be delivered. 

If you haven't placed an order yet - or your glasses are arriving after the solar eclipse - don't panic yet.

You could buy a pair with estimated delivery before August 21 from Amazon, but third-party sellers are jacking up the price as stock runs low, charging $24.95 or more for a five-pack instead of $14.95.

You can also check out other options on the American Astronomical Society's list of reputable brands and retailers. Reuters reported that the market is being flooded with defective knockoffs, so it's also a good idea to make sure that the brand you purchased is approved by the experts before August 21.