It's National Eye Health Awareness Week and optometrists are calling on people to take better care of their eyes.
Research found that around five million Britons have not had an eye test in the last decade, despite the fact more than two thirds (66%) of the population recognise that you can have a serious eye problem without realising it due to lack of symptoms.
The College of Optometrists said that 9% of British adults cannot remember the last time they had a test or claim that it has been at least 10 years since they visited an optician.
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Many people said they had not been for a test because they did not think it was necessary but the college is warning that some eye conditions do not show symptoms so delaying tests could mean damaged sight.
Dr Susan Blakeney, the College of Optometrists' clinical adviser, said: "86% of people value their eyesight above any other sense and over two thirds of people wear corrective lenses of some sort.
"However, it often takes a big change in vision or health for people to visit an optometrist to find out what's going on, and that may be too late to reverse any damage to sight, especially if you are in an at-risk group.
"Most people will probably be fine but it's worth remembering not every eye condition has symptoms so regular check-ups, unless otherwise advised by your optometrist, are vital to maintain healthy eyes."
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Francesca Marchetti, chair of National Eye Health Week, said: "Many people dread the thought of losing their sight but few of us think about what we can do to keep our eyes healthy. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your sight is to get your eyes checked regularly.
"A sight test is not just to check whether you need to wear glasses it is actually a window into your overall health. An eye check can detect eye conditions which have no symptoms and other conditions such as diabetes and hypertension."
The college, which surveyed 4,032 British adults, said that most people are recommended to go for a check-up every two years. People over the age of 40 and those of African Caribbean descent have increased risk of developing an eye disease such as glaucoma and should ensure they have the tests done.