Knowledge is power: A 10 question quiz to boost your eye health knowledge

1. How many working parts make up the human eye?

a) 87

b) Between 1,500 and 2,000

c) More than 2 million

2. Photoreceptors in the retina are made up of two types of cell; rod cells are sensitive to light, while cone cells facilitate colour vision. But roughly how many cone photoreceptors does the human eye contain?

a) One million

b) Three million

c) Seven million

3. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and one of the most common surgical procedures in the UK. How many cataract surgeries were carried out in England in 2019/20?

a) Less than 250,000

b) More than 450,000

c) More than 900,000

4. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causes the loss of what:

a) Peripheral vision

b) Central vision

5. Wearing sunglasses can help you to protect your eyes from long-term sight loss…

a) True

b) False

6. Amblyopia (or ‘lazy eye’) is the most common problem with vision in children. What proportion of people are affected:

a) Less than 1%

b) 2-3%

c) 8%

7. The most common cause of sight loss in working-age UK adults results from damage caused by diabetes to the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the retina. What’s the name of this condition?

a) Diabetic retinopathy

b) Retina syndrome

c) Diabetic neuropathy

d) Polycoria 

8. Having 20/20 vision means your eyes are perfect…

a) True

b) False

9. Around 80 million people across the globe have glaucoma, given the ageing population, what is this number is projected to reach by 2040?

a) 100 million

b) 120 million

c) 150 million

10. Approximately what percentage of all skin cancers occur in the eyelid?

a) Less than 1%

b) 5%-10%

c) More than 25%

Answers below.

1. C - More than 2 million. Eyes are incredibly complex, highly productive, and resilient organs that are designed to adjust to different conditions and environments with incredible speed. Such complexity means even the smallest issue can have a huge impact on someone’s sight. That’s why we fund such a broad range of research; the researchers we fund are on the cusp of so many breakthroughs, delivering over 160 projects at universities and hospitals around the UK.

2. C - Seven million. Issues with photoreceptors can result in any one of several retinal disorders. One of these is retinitis pigmentosa, which is the most common inherited eye condition, affecting around one in 4,000 people in the UK. You can find out more about retinitis pigmentosa here >

3. B - More than 450,000 cataract surgeries were carried out in England in 2019/2020. However that number is set to increase in line with the changing age profile of our population. Find out more about cataract treatment and the research we’re helping to fund around cataracts here >

4. B - The macula is a small but highly concentrated area of light-sensitive cells found within the retina at the back of the eye. These cells are vital for seeing fine details when looking straight at something, both close and far away. In our Eye Research Matters podcast episode on AMD, Professor Pete Coffey discusses the latest breakthroughs in age-related macular degeneration Listen to our AMD-related podcast here >

5. A - TRUE: Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight without wearing eye protection such as sunglasses, including in childhood, can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Take a look at further tips on safeguarding eye health in this blog post. >

6. B - About 2-3 per 100 people are affected by amblyopia. In the past, it was thought of in terms of the ability to read letter charts (visual acuity). But newer research suggests that it is more complex and involves the way our brains recognise movement, shapes, and objects. Fight for Sight research has also shown that it may be possible to improve vision even in adults with amblyopia, with activities such as video gaming. Find out more about amblyopia >

7. A - Diabetic Retinopathy. Suzie Bushby, from Chichester, who was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, said: “I’ve had diabetic retinopathy for four years which has really had a significant impact on mine and my family's life. This has involved seven bouts of laser treatment, a detached retina and six months off work. Research gives me hope for the future because it paves the way for understanding the disease and developing new treatments that could make a real difference.” We are currently working with partners to fund research projects into eye disease linked to other conditions, like diabetic retinopathy. Find out more >

8. B - FALSE: The term ‘20/20 vision’ means someone has excellent central vision but not necessarily colour-vision, side-vision or night vision. It’s also important to note that someone with 20/20 vision may develop glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy over years without noticing. During this time their inner eye becomes damaged without affecting central vision. Find out why it’s important to have regular eye tests, even if you think your vision is fine >

9. B - 120 Million. While glaucoma can be managed once diagnosed, the damage to the optic nerve is irreversible and can lead to blindness. Find out more about glaucoma as part of our A-Z eye conditions index >

10. B - 5-10% of skin cancers occur in the eyelid. Most eyelid cancers are similar to skin cancers in other sun exposed areas. Eyelid skin cancers most commonly occur on the lower eyelid, but they can also start on the upper eyelid, eyebrow or the corners of the eye. Our A-Z eye condition page on eyelid cancer covers the causes of eyelid cancer, the signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. This page also has information about basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is by far the most common type of eyelid cancer and occurs in the deepest part of the outer layer of skin. Find out more about eye lid cancer >