On Staring into the Sun, iii & iv Actually there were a number of Londoners who permanently damaged their eyesight during the total eclipse a few years back (1999?). Their stories were in the Evening Standard. One of them had watched the sun for less than 30 seconds and lost half the vision in one eye. Basically, the lens is like a magnifying glass which focuses beams on to one point... the fovea, the most sensitive area. What usually happens is that the eyes' ability to discern colour is damaged first as the 'rods and cones' of the eye wall are affected. Prolonged exposure - if you can bear it - will lead to permanent blindness. -- Dave Nick Hello Eric, I was interested in your article about looking at the Sun.....Actually, I stared at the sun every day from age 8  for a period of about 6 months until I got bored with it..... I  stared until I couldn't bear the pain anymore..... I was able to stare twice as .long after 2 or 3 months...... Today at 72, I am the only person in my circle of friends. ... most of whom are in their 40's and 50's who does not wear glasses and can read small print  as well as drive .... even in full Riviera sun!..... I believe that by wearing glasses (sun or otherwise) we weaken our eyes and  deprive the pineal gland of very important light!!  In my town there are several shops selling glasses.... let's face it!! to persuade someone that they they can't see without glasses is very profitable!!!.... same for a lot of other things too.... when is everyone going to wake up to the 'great conspiracy'??? !!!  Thanks for a fine astrology service... -- Jil