According to the rather disquieting findings of a new survey conducted by the New Zealand Association of Optometrists, a shocking number of New Zealand residents are neglecting the health of their eyes, and are practically ignorant about the reasons leading to weak eyesight.

Noting that the survey revealed that nearly 62 percent of the New Zealanders who do not wear glasses or contact lenses have never had an eye examination, Dr Lesley Frederikson - national director of the Optometrists' association - said that the survey had depicted some startling and perturbing trends.

Released to coincide with 'Save our Sight' month, the recent survey showed that almost 68,000 New Zealanders above 40 years of age were suffering from glaucoma, which can cause blindness; and around 50 percent were not aware of it.

Furthermore, the survey, conducted by Professor Mark Ahn from Victoria University, also found that 41 percent of people in New Zealand are unaware that macular degeneration, a condition which affects the aging people, can lead to blindness.

When questioned about the conditions that are detectable through an all-inclusive eye exam, 47 percent respondents named diabetes; 28 percent said hypertension; 26 percent brain tumor; 18 percent cancer; 17 percent cardiovascular diseases; and 9 percent said multiple sclerosis.

Commenting on the findings, Prof Ahn said: "We were astounded at the low levels of knowledge about conditions that can make people blind."