Australians are deeply concerned about the health of their eyes, but seem to know little about the topic, a new survey has revealed.

The vast majority (86 per cent) of adults fear losing their sight more than any other sense, a poll conducted for eye glasses retailer OPSM found.

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And yet, the majority admitted to being ignorant about crucial areas of eye health.

For example, 71 per cent could not distinguish natural eye ageing from the treatable condition of macular degeneration. And 83 per cent did not know diabetes could cause vision loss.

The need to prevent eye damage was clear from the survey. In the past five years, two-thirds (66 per cent) noticed a change in their vision, it found.

Here are some of the worst sins we perpetrate on our peepers.

Failing to get your eyes checked

Regular check-ups can catch ‘invisible’ problems. Photo: Shutterstock

The survey found more than half (53 per cent) admitted they would not get their eyes tested if their GP recommended it.

An expert told The New Daily such tests are crucial because approximately 80 per cent of vision impairment is preventable if detected early.

“What we’re finding is that the motivation for getting a test is coming when vision changes. In some cases, that’s shutting the gate after the horse has bolted,” Optometry Australia resident optometrist Luke Arundel said.

Glaucoma is one of the “sneaky” conditions that can go undetected without a check-up until it is too late, he said.

“It’s an invisible, painless disease, the sad truth being that a lot of folk are out there undiagnosed right now.

“Because it’s nerve damage, there’s no getting it back. If we pick it up early, we can stop you losing the vision, stop you from going blind, but we need to be ahead of the game.”

Staying indoors too much

Kids may be ruining their vision by absorbing screen light rather than the sun. Photo: Getty

Worldwide, the problem of short-sightedness (myopia) is “out of control”. Experts are unsure of the exact cause, but many blame a lack of outdoor time during childhood.

“We’re seeing this rising rate. It’s not anecdotal. There’s good, hard-and-fast data on it,” Mr Arundel said.

In the past 15 years, myopia rates among Australian 17-year-olds increased from 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

Asia is worse. In South Korea, myopia rates among 20-year-olds increased from 18 per cent in 1955 to at least 96 per cent in 2011.

Excessive time indoors, especially while using phone and computer screens, is the “really interesting” potential cause currently under investigation, Mr Arundel said.

Those who are shortsighted see nearby objects clearly, but faraway objects appear blurry. Their risk of glaucoma and retinal detachment increases.

Not wearing sunglasses

U2 frontman Bono, who has glaucoma, is a big advocate of sunnies. Photo: Revo

Excessive UV light exposure is linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, lid and eye cancer and pink, fleshy growths on the white of the eye (pterygium).

Despite the risks, approximately a quarter (25 per cent) of Australians never wear sunglasses.

“This one is a no-brainer,” Mr Arundel said. “Get on the sunglasses.”

No need for an expensive brand, he said. Just ensure the pair has a UV rating and thicker or wrap-around arms for side protection.

Poor diet

Eating unhealthily has been linked to macular degeneration and accelerated eye ageing.

Type II diabetes, caused by poor diet and obesity, can also trigger eye bleeds leading to blindness. In the OPSM survey, fewer than one in five (17 per cent) knew of this link.

The Australian diet is deficient in antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits. We also eat too much meat and not enough fish, Mr Arundel said.

“Antioxidants are very important to the health of the eye.”

Improper contact lens care

Mr Arundel has seen a “litany” of contact lens errors committed by patients, which put their eyes at risk of “serious damage” from infections.

“When used properly, they are very safe, effective vision correction. But a lot of people tend to be a little bit blazé about it.”

Fake lash glue can trigger allergic reactions. Photo: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Failing to clean the lenses, storing them in saline solution rather than using prescribed cleaning solutions and re-using the lenses too many times are “the big ones”, Mr Arundel said.

“They build up microbes, bacteria, stuff like that and that can have serious effects.”

Eyelash extensions

Sharing mascara is commonly cited as risky behaviour because, as Mr Arundel agreed, the pots can get “festy” with bacteria.

But eyelash extensions are a bigger and lesser-known problem, he said.

The application of fake lashes can involve toxic glues, which trigger “really bad” allergic reactions. The weight of the extensions can tug on the natural lashes, resulting in permanent eyelash baldness. Unsterile equipment can spread infection. Poorly trained staff can accidentally injure eyes.

“Repeat application of false lashes can be an issue.”