Public ignorant of UV damage

Despite the growing awareness of sun damage to the skin, a new survey has revealed that only 7 per cent of the UK population are aware ultra-violet rays can damage the eyes.

The alarming finding is from a new survey by Transitions Optical, which also revealed that 88 per cent of people rate vision as their most valued sense, way above hearing, touch, taste and smell.

The survey also found that eight out of 10 people consider the eyes to be the first part of the body they notice when they meet someone.

However, nearly one in four respondents said they had never had an eye test and more than half who wore spectacles or contact lenses admitted to avoiding eye examinations - having less than one test every two years.