Eclipse prompts eye damage warning

PEOPLE have been warned by the UK's top doctor that looking directly at the first solar eclipse of the new year could cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Dame Sally Davies, the government's interim chief medical officer, urged parents to make sure their children understand the dangers ahead of the event, which is expected between 8am and 9:30am on 4 January.

She said: "Children are particularly vulnerable as they may be tempted to take a peek. We would urge parents to explain the danger to their children. We would not wish to see another case like the young boy who lost his central vision back in October 2005 through looking directly at a partial eclipse in his school playground."

Experts say the safest way to watch it is on TV or webcasts.

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