Time is running out to order eclipse glasses from Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health announced Wednesday that its supply of free eclipse glasses is quickly decreasing due to a high demand of them.

The health system began offering up to four pairs of eclipse glasses in late June to residents of Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.

Since then, only 20 percent of the available supply remains because thousands of pairs of glasses have already been claimed in less than three weeks, according to a release from Tidelands Health.

“The outpouring of interest in the free glasses has been tremendous,” said Amy Stevens, vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re excited to help so many people watch the eclipse safely, and we want to encourage anyone interested in the glasses to order immediately before our supplies are exhausted.”

The only time it’s safe to look directly at the sun is during the brief, one- to two-minute period of eclipse “totality,” when the sun is completely hidden behind the moon, the release says.

“The eclipse will be an awe-inspiring experience, but it’s critical to keep safety in mind,” Stevens said. “We’ve developed the #seeitsafely campaign to help communicate that message to the community.”

There are only six weeks to go until the August 21 eclipse, and Myrtle Beach will see almost a full eclipse and Georgetown County will see a total eclipse, according to a NASA map.

The deadline to request glasses is July 31.

The glasses will be mailed in early August, and to get a pair, orders can only be accepted online by visiting: tidelandshealth.org/see-it-safely/

This story was originally published July 13, 2017 at 9:56 AM with the headline "Time is running out to order eclipse glasses from Tidelands Health."