DoH publishes eclipse safety advice

The Department of Health has published an Eclipse Safety Code ahead of this week's partial eclipse of the sun.

On March 29 between approximately 10.45am and 12.25pm the moon will pass across the face of the sun.

Children in particular should be made aware of the dangers according to the DoH statement. In October 2005, a young boy suffered loss of central vision after looking directly at the sun during a partial eclipse.

The absence of pain or discomfort while looking at an eclipse with the naked eye or through some makeshift protective system does not mean damage to the eyes will not occur. Permanent damage to the retina can occur without pain, and the visual symptoms can be delayed for several hours.