Staying safe during the eclipse means watching it through a pinhole camera or on television, Dr Jim Kiely, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, has warned.
Looking at the sun for even as little as five seconds was extremely dangerous and could cause permanent eye damage, Dr Kiely said in a statement yesterday.
The eclipse should not be viewed through sunglasses, smoked glass, binoculars, telescopes or through a camera. The safest way to view it is by using an indirect pinhole viewer which can be made from two pieces of white cardboard, he says.
While there has been some controversy surrounding eclipse-viewers, the main brand on sale in the Republic has been given a certificate of safety approval from the EU. "Eclipse Shades" are available only through Astronomy Ireland and Eason's.
The specially-designed glasses, which cost £3.95, have lenses of a tough plastic which block out infra-red and ultraviolet light while letting through only 0.001 per cent of visible light. Users should ensure that the glasses fit properly and that the lenses are not scratched or damaged.
Parents and guardians are advised to protect children's eyes and to supervise children during the eclipse period between 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday. Astronomy Ireland is at (01) 459 8883