The solar eclipse in the new year could cause permanent damage to the eyes of those who look at it directly, a top doctor has said.

People may even risk blindness if they watch the moon passing between the sun and the earth between around 8 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Dame Sally Davies, the government’s interim chief medical officer, especially called on parents to make sure their children understand the dangers.

She said: “Children are particularly vulnerable as they may be tempted to take a peek. We would urge parents to explain the danger to their children.

“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.”

Medical experts said the safest way to watch the eclipse is on the television or live webcasts on the internet. Observing the eclipse directly through a telescope, binoculars or camera is not safe under any circumstances.