Sky-gazers who look directly at the partial eclipse on Tuesday 4 January 2011 could permanently damage their eyesight and even risk blindness, warns sight loss charity RNIB.
As groups of spectators plan where they're going to watch the partial solar eclipse on 4 January, eye health specialists at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are concerned that people will put their eyesight at unnecessary risk. RNIB is particularly warning parents about the safety of children's eyes, as many children have damaged their sight in the past because they looked directly at the sun during an eclipse.
Eye health specialists at RNIB warn: "It's tempting to stare at the sun during a solar eclipse. Yet doing so can damage the retina, which can lead to blindness. The safest way of viewing the eclipse is by indirect viewing through a television or on the internet."
Anita Lightstone, programme director of UK Vision Strategy at RNIB, said: "It is vital that people take the issue of eye safety seriously. People who look directly at the sun, even for as little as five seconds, risk permanent eye damage, even blindness."
Observing the eclipse directly through a telescope, sunglasses, binoculars or camera is not safe under any circumstances.
More tips for healthy eyes
Keep your eyes healthy by following these simple steps.
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Have a regular eye test at an opticians. Early detection means more chance of successful treatment.
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Don't smoke. It greatly increases the risk of certain eye conditions.
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Eat healthily. Include lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet to maintain eye health.
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Keep trim. Obesity is linked to diabetes and AMD, so stay trim to avoid sight problems.
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Always wear sunglasses with a UV filter.
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For more information contact the RNIB media team on 020 7381 2290, email stacey.kerr@rnib.org.uk
Notes to editors:
The moon will pass between the sun and the earth between 8am and 9.30am on 4 January. Seen from the UK, the eclipse will already have begun when the sun rises in London at 8.06am, in Manchester at 8.24am and in Glasgow at 8.46am.
The percentage of the sun obscured in the middle of the eclipse varies considerably across Britain, with the south-east seeing more than two-thirds obscured while from the Western Isles of Scotland as little as a quarter is covered.
London will see almost three-quarters obscured at maximum eclipse, with Liverpool and Plymouth just under 70 per cent and Glasgow barely 40 per cent.
About RNIB
Everyday around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.