Irish Sight Test Week starts today, September 4 and ends next Sunday. The event is designed to highlight the importance of eye health and the need to have regular eye examinations.

Research shows that 94% of Irish people say that out of all their senses, they would fear losing their sight most of all, while 75% said losing their independence would be their biggest worry if they became blind.

There are a number of reasons to book an eye test as soon as possible:

* Don’t wait more than two years to have a sight test - the Association of Optometrists Ireland recommends that you have your eyes checked at least every two years and more often when your optometrist advises. Certain patients, such as those with diabetes, should have an annual eye examination.

* Children don’t have to be able to read to have a sight test - it is advised that children should have their first eye examination at around three years old.

* Children achieve as much as 80% of learning through sight during their first 12 years. Testing their eyes after eight years old may already be too late. Vision problems often remain undetected until children start school.

* An eye examination not only tells you whether or not you need glasses or a new prescription, it can also help diagnose other underlying health problems. Conditions including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain forms of cancer can all be detected at an eye examination.

Irish Sight Test Week is being organised by Specsavers.

Visit our Eye Health Channel here