Letter: Darkness at 11am

Sir: I have read with interest the various articles published on the solar eclipse, having been one of the ophthalmologists who was involved with the 10 cases of solar retinopathy in the Manchester area in 1984, and having subsequently published the report which has been referred to.

What struck me at the time was the inappropriate use of the pinhole by gazing directly at the sun, by three of the patients. For this reason I think it is more helpful to advise people to wear the special glasses, as people are more familiar with their use. It is also safer to glance intermittently rather than to stare for a long period.

One of the incontrovertible facts highlighted by the report is that contrary to popular opinion it is not always raining in Manchester.

NICHOLAS A JACOBS

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Kingston upon Thames, Surrey