A man who suffered permanent eye damage by watching the 1999 solar eclipse has warned people to use protection when watching Wednesday's astronomical event. Peter Smith, from Taunton, viewed the solar eclipse 27 years ago wearing a borrowed welder's mask having thought it would provide protection from the sun's rays. He is now asking people to use appropriate eye protection to enjoy the eclipse safely. Smith said: "Make sure its got the right protection and filters to stop any damage because any damage you get, it'll never heal. "If you're going to go and watch it, make sure that everything you've got is correct."