American Paper Optics is a Tennessee-based company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing 3D glasses, eclipse glasses, and other innovative optical products.
Founded in 1990 by John Jerit, who started his business by selling paper 3D glasses in the back of a van.
In 1995, APO landed its first big break by teaming up with NBC to provide 3D glasses for the Super Bowl halftime show.
In 2017, the company became a household name when it provided 50 million pairs of glasses for the Great American Eclipse, one of the largest eclipse viewing events in history.
Specializes in 3D glasses, eclipse glasses, and diffraction gratings. Founded in 1979.
Manufactures optical filters for astronomy and industrial applications, including eclipse glasses. Founded in 1972.
A European branch of APO that sells similar products in Europe.
Specialized glasses designed to safely view solar eclipses.
Paper and plastic glasses used to view 3D images in movies, TV shows, and video games.
Optical filters that separate light into its component wavelengths, creating a colorful pattern.
Eclipse glasses are specialized sunglasses that allow you to safely view a solar eclipse.
3D glasses are glasses that use special lenses to create the illusion of depth and dimension in movies, TV shows, and video games.
Look for a certification symbol on your eclipse glasses, like the ISO 12312-2 certification. If your glasses don't have a certification, don't use them to view the eclipse.
There are two types of 3D glasses: passive glasses and active glasses. Passive glasses use polarized lenses, while active glasses use electronic shutters that alternate between the left and right lenses.
No, you should not reuse your eclipse glasses. The lenses may have scratches or other damage that could make them unsafe to use during the next eclipse.