An international charity has warned people that the solar eclipse in the New Year could cause permanent damage to the eyes if they watch out it with naked eyes.

People may even risk blindness if they watch the eclipse between 8AM and 9.30AM on January 4, 2011.

Dame Sally Davies, the Government’s Interim Chief Medical Officer informed that the children are particularly vulnerable as they may be tempted to peak.

The country’s top doctor urged parents to explain the danger which could be caused by eclipse to their children.

Dame Sally said, "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."

Observing eclipse directly through a telescope, binoculars or camera is recommended as safe under any circumstances. Even viewing through an ordinary sunglasses or photographic film is also not recommended.

Experts suggested the safest way to watch out the eclipse is on the TV or live webcasts on the internet or only specially-designed solar filters bearing the appropriate "CE mark" could be used to view the eclipse safely.