People are being warned to keep a close watch on their eye health after new figures showed more than 57,000 in the county are living with sight loss.

Specsavers stores are raising awareness on the condition after it was revealed 57,400 people in Kent live with the condition, which is set to rise to 70,800 in the next eight years.

Figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) show that sight loss can be caused by age-related problems, cataracts, diabetic detinopathy and glaucoma.

The RNIB statitucs show one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime.

Ian Hyland, director of Specsavers stores in Swanley, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, said: “Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions are key to reducing the number of people suffering sight loss unnecessarily.

“A large percentage of sight loss could be avoided if people have their eyes checked regularly.

“Yet despite sight being the sense that most people are concerned about losing, many people don’t actually have their eyes checked every two years.

“Regular eye-health checks are important in preventing sight loss. They are essential for everyone, even if you think your eyes are fine, because damage can be done before you notice it.

“For example, an eye test can spot glaucoma years before people notice a change in their vision, and it can be treated if found soon enough.

“In addition to eye health, a sight test can detect other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease.

“So, in addition to not smoking, eating a healthy diet and staying active, I would urge everyone to have an eye test every two years.”

In addition to underlying conditions, eye health can be affected by the overuse of electronic screens. Screen fatigue won’t permanently damage a person’s eyes, but it can make symptoms of existing eye conditions such as short-sightedness more pronounced.

Ian added: “These days, where we engage daily with computer monitors, mobile devices and TV screens, people suffer from screen fatigue. Overuse of screens without a break can result in dry eyes, tired eyes and even blurred vision.”

It is advised people should follow the 20-20-20 rule – looking away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and focusing on something 20 feet away.

For further advice or to book an eye test at your local opticians.