FORGET a healthy sex drive or even being able to walk - given the choice most of us would sacrifice both of those if it meant we didn't lose our ability to see, according to the latest research.

It's the sense we apparently value above all others, yet looking after our sight seems to be a hit-and-miss affair.

A regular eyetest is one of the most effective safeguards, particularly as we get older when we are more at risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric advisor for The College Of Optometrists says research shows that more than one in 10 people have never had their eyes tested.

She says: "The eyes are one of the most amazing parts of the body. They can process 36,000 bits of information every hour, and in a normal life span the eye will generate almost 24 million images of the world around us.

"Yet people often underestimate how important it is to look after them. Many wrongly assume that because they can apparently see clearly there cannot be anything wrong with their eyes.

"While that is a good sign, it doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are absolutely healthy, as in the early stages some eye conditions may have symptoms that can only be detected by an optometrist."

She recommends that in general people have their eyes tested at least once every two years, or more often if advised.

"Wearing sunglasses even in winter to protect the eyes from UV rays, giving up smoking which can more than double the risk of some eye conditions and having a balanced diet, which includes leafy green vegetables, are all key ways to protect eyes."

EYE MYTHS

Wearing someone else's glasses may damage your eyes.

No, although you may not be able to see very well with them and may get a headache or double vision, you won't come to any harm from wearing glasses that are not your prescription (unless you're driving a motor vehicle).

Watching TV too much or too closely will damage eyes.

Children will be delighted to know that this warning isn't true, but parents can fall back on the fact too much viewing can make your eyes tired or cause a headache. You're particularly vulnerable if TV's viewed in the dark when you are effectively looking at a moving light, like a torch.

Exercising eye muscles can allow you to throw away your glasses.

No, people (normally) need specs because of the shape and size of their eye (i.e. their eyes are too big or too small). Exercises won't help this.

Not wearing your glasses will make you depend upon them less.

No, if you don't wear your glasses you may become more accustomed to the blur and won't remember how bad it is, and thereby think that your eyes have got better (when they haven't).

Eating carrots improves eyesight.

There is some truth in this as carrots are a source of vitamin A, which is important for the eyes. Before embarking on an all-carrot diet, bear in mind that it's more important for eye health to have a balanced diet that supports your all-round health. Using your eyes too much can wear them out.

No, they'll last for a lifetime if they are healthy (or have conditions that are treatable). Eye health has nothing to do with the number of hours you use them.

Holding books up close will damage a child's eyes.

No, where or how a child holds a book has no effect on the health of the eyes or the need for glasses. Sometimes children find it more comfortable to read close-up and their good focusing ability makes it easy for them to do so.

EATING FOR EYES

Prof Ian Grierson, head of the ophthalmology unit, Liverpool University, recommends a rocket, pear and cheese salad as one meal to help boost eye health.

It's a recipe from his book, Vegetables for Vision - Nature's Supplements for Eye Health (Indigo Creative Marketing, £14.50).

The salad serves two, and uses: 100g (4oz) washed rocket or mixed leaves, 3 pears - any type, one lemon, 15ml (1tbsp) walnut oil or virgin olive oil, 35g (1 1/2oz) Edam, Stilton or Danish Blue, 10ml (2tsp) sesame seeds.

Spread salad leaves in a bowl, peel and core pears and slice. Cover with lemon juice and add oil. Sprinkle cheese and sesame seeds on the top and a good pinch of pepper. Add fresh figs if in season.

EYE EXERCISE

"Keep eye muscles in good shape by holding a pencil three inches from your face and focus on the tip," says Dr. John Hill, senior eye surgeon at Optimax, which specialises in laser surgery.

"Move it away to arms length and then bring it forward again." Exercises can sometimes help to alleviate eyestrain from too much reading or computer work, but do take regular screen breaks.