When it comes to sexy eyes, Cheryl Cole definitely has the X factor, and Doctor Who's David Tennant has the eyes that most people want a check up from, in a poll (1), conducted to mark RNIB Eye Health Week (6-12 October 2008).
RNIB Eye Health Week is not all sultry looks and smouldering glances though. Every day in the UK people are needlessly losing their sight. A shocking 50 percent of sight loss (2) could be prevented or treated by taking regular eye tests.
Even more worryingly, up to 40 percent of your sight could be lost before you even notice a difference (3), so RNIB are urging people to take regular eye tests to keep their eyes in top shape.
RNIB optometrist Sonal Rughani said: "The eye health check, that forms the most important part of the eye test can pick up early signs of disease in your eyes that you might not even be aware of.
"Whilst your eyes might look healthy and attractive, up to 40 percent of your sight could be lost before you even notice a difference, so it's vital to get them tested regularly."
Healthy eyes could also mean a healthier economy. Research shows that treating preventable eye conditions now, could save the NHS money in the future (4).
RNIB have also devised a five point lifestyle plan to keep your eyes healthy, which, aside from recommending regular eye tests, encourages people to stop smoking, eat their greens, cover up in the sun and protect their eyes while doing DIY and playing racket sports such as squash.
[End of media release]
For further information about RNIB Eye Health Week, photos, or an interview with an RNIB expert, please contact Gary Hartley, Yashoda Sutton or Richard Purnell, RNIB press office, on 020 7391 2223. Out of hours mobile: 07968 482812
Notes to editors
1. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2361 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17 and 19 September 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
The top five 'sexiest eyes' were as follows:
Men
David Tennant - 16 percent
Dermot O'Leary - 10 percent
Simon Cowell - 8 percent
Lewis Hamilton - 6 percent
Steve Jones - 4 percent
Women
Cheryl Cole - 14 percent
Kelly Brook - 12 percent
Billie Piper - 9 percent
Fiona Bruce - 7 percent
Davina McCall - 4 percent
2. From Open Your Eyes, RNIB Campaign Report 25
3. Glaucoma damages the peripheral vision first and up to 40 percent of your sight may be lost before you notice a difference. An eye test is the only way to detect glaucoma in its early stages.
4. Research conducted by Taylor HR - Costs of Interventions for Visual Impairment, American Journal of Ophthalmology 2007.
5. RNIB's tips for healthy eyes are:
Have a regular eye test - it could save your sight!
Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to lose up to 40 per cent of your sight before you notice a difference. An eye test could pick up on these conditions and save your sight.
Don't smoke
Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose their sight to AMD - Britain's leading cause of sight loss. If you already smoke, quitting will reduce your risk.
Eat healthily and watch your weight
Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and keep your weight within a healthy range to help protect your eyes from cataracts, AMD and diabetes-related eye disease.
Cover up in the sun
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BSEN 1836:1997.
Protect your eyes from accidents
If you love nothing more than a spot of DIY, don't forget to wear safety goggles as large particles and dust can damage your eyes.
6. Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.