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Millions of people still remain unaware of the risk to their eyesight from direct exposure to sunlight during the summer months, especially during an eclipse, according to the findings of a new survey undertaken by the College of Optometrists.

The study published earlier this week revealed that one in 10 respondents thought it was perfectly safe to look at an eclipse as long as they were wearing sunglasses, and around a fifth (21 per cent) admitted to having looked directly at the sun during an eclipse.

More worryingly, according to the College, a further 17 per cent of people in the UK believe that it is safe to look at the sun even when in full glare as long as they are wearing high UV, CE-approved sunglasses. Moreover, over a third (36 per cent) of people admit to having looked straight at the sun more than once without protection, and a fifth say they did as children. The study also found that the younger generation (18-24 year-olds) are the worst for looking at the sun 'regularly' (10 per cent), while the older age groups are the worst for watching an eclipse: over a quarter (27 per cent) of over-55s admitted to risking their vision in this way.

Publication of the study coincides with a partial eclipse, set to occur at 9:33am today (August 1) across the UK. As Optician went to press (Tuesday), the College embarked on a media campaign to highlight the dangers of the sun. Dr Rob Hogan, president of College of Optometrists, is scheduled to discuss this topic on various radio stations, prior to the eclipse.

Commenting on the findings, Hogan said: 'As with many issues to do with health, ignorance is often the most dangerous thing of all. A lot of people simply don't realise that looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse or wearing sunglasses, can damage their eyesight permanently.'

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