§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made from previous solar eclipses of eye damage caused by exposure to the sun's rays; and if such evidence was used as the basis for Government guidelines. [87446]
§ Mr. DenhamAnecdotal evidence suggests that, in 1927, 13 people lost their sight due to retinal burns caused by viewing the sun directly during the last total eclipse visible from the United Kingdom. More recently, the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital carried out a study of patients presenting for treatment following the partial eclipse that occurred on 30 May 1984. They identified 11 patients of whom 7 suffered some enduring deterioration in visual acuity.
This evidence prompted us to collaborate with the optical professions in preparation of a guidance leaflet which is about to be published. It warns that looking directly at the sun is very dangerous. The radiation could permanently damage the eye. The safest way to view the eclipse is indirectly with, for example, a pinhole projection viewer. If people ignore this advice and decide to use a solar filter or a pair of eclipse spectacles, they do so at their own risk. They would be well advised to buy the device from a reputable outlet and ensure that it had a CE mark to show it had been approved under the Personal Protective Equipment Directive and also ensure that it came with full instructions for use, that it fitted closely to the face and that the lenses were not scratched or damaged.