New research has found more than 3,000 people in Mittagong are at risk of serious eye problems.
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The research found while 91 per cent of Australian adults have experienced a problem with their eyes, one in five people wouldn't seek medical assistance.
When asked why, almost 50 per cent of respondents said it was either because they didn't think there was anything wrong with their eye health or they would rather wait for the problem to fix itself.
Specsavers Mittagong optometrist Duncan Lu said the research highlighted the 'she'll be right' culture in Mittagong which can lead to serious eye problems not being detected until they were irreparable.
"Many common eye problems could also be early signs of more serious eye issues," Mr Lu said.
The research found millennials were the worst culprits, with almost 70 per cent saying they wouldn't seek professional assistance.
Baby boomers were the most likely to seek professional help quickly, with 77 per cent visiting an optometrist, doctor, pharmacist or hospital within a week for eye irritations or infections.
"Baby boomers look like they are setting the standard for what everyone should do when they have a problem with their eyes. Sometimes serious eye problems can progress quickly, so the best thing you can do when you experience a problem is to see an optometrist right away," Mr Lu said.
Mr Lu said if you experienced any problems with your eyes, the best thing to do was to book a bulk-billed eye health check with your local optometrist to check that your problem wasn't a sign of a more serious issue and to address the problem.
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