A RESEARCH charity is giving crucial advice to people in Dumbarton and the Vale on how to keep their eyes in tip-top condition in the year ahead.

Fight for Sight say many people don’t realise they can actively look after their sight, and it has issued top tips for perfect peepers.

– Have regular check-ups: an eye test can also spot some symptoms of illnesses not related to your sight.

– Wear sunglasses: protect your eyes - even in winter - when it’s sunny or when in high glare areas such as near snow or water.

– Keep fit and healthy: being fit and well can actually help your eyes stay healthy and maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure can help with eye health.

– Find out your family eye health history: talk to your relatives about your family eye health history. Some eye conditions have genetic links which increase your risk of developing them.

– Take care of your contact lenses: if you wear contacts, look after them properly. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your contact lenses or your eyes. Your lenses and their case should only ever be cleaned with the lens solution recommended by your optometrist.

Stop smoking: smoking is harmful to your eyes and can increase the risk of sight loss. Current smokers are 2 - 4 times more at risk of developing macular degeneration than people who have never smoked.

– Other advice includes eating well and avoiding recreational drugs.

More information is available at www.fightforsight.org.uk/about-the-eye/