Eclipse viewers urged to practice caution

January 4, 2011

2011 began with a somewhat rare occurrence for many across the world - a solar eclipse.

UniverseToday.com reports that the eclipse took place on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 and was visible across Europe and as far east as India. However, it wasn't visible in North and South America.

Officials in the UK warned those who viewed the eclipse to be careful, as looking directly at the sun can lead to permanent damage or even blindness.

According to the BBC, the Department of Health says that observing a solar eclipse through a telescope, binoculars, sunglasses, photographic film or camera is not safe. Experts say the safest viewing method is to watch the eclipse on television or with a live webcast.

Eye health experts tell the Messenger newspapers that even polarized sunglasses or prescription sunglasses are not adequate for viewing eclipses.

Instead, the news providers report that wearing special eclipse glasses or using a pinhole viewer are the safest ways to look at the sun during a solar eclipse.

"Under no circumstances should people look directly at the sun during a partial eclipse," Dame Sally Davies told the BBC. "The risks of doing so are very real and could lead to irreversible damage to eyesight and even blindness."

Protecting the eyes by wearing sunglasses outdoors is recommended by experts.

The American Optometric Association recommends individuals purchase sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV radiation.