Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Glaucoma among Patients at Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (SIOVS) @ Eye Hospital Hyderabad

Abstract

Glaucoma is a progressively neuropathic condition of the optic nerve and is estimated to affect about 80-million sufferers worldwide. Usually not noticeable until severe pathology becomes apparent and most dangerous for the people of Africans origin. The important risks factors include raised intraocular pressure, age and family history. However, they still continue not knowing that they have the disease; the majority develops the disease to blindness level when diagnosed. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding glaucoma among patients at Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (SIOVS) at Eye Hospital, Hyderabad. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. 60 patients were selected through non-probability convenience sampling, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study revealed that of the participants 88.0% had a college education and a slightly higher number (61.7%) of the participants were female. Education status indicated that, 38.3% of the people had attained secondary education, while 28.3% did not attend any form of education. Occupationally, 33.3 % were student while 10.0% were employed. Here, 73.3% of participants reported having an idea of glaucoma; however, only 28.3% of the participants stated that vision loss may occur without experiencing any pain; hence participants revealed large gaps in their knowledge. Only 60% respondents knew the risk factors while 48.3% had never had their eyes checked. However, 80.0% of the respondents believed that glaucoma can be treated and 83.3% supported early management of glaucoma. The study concluded that patients displayed poor knowledge about the glaucoma, and were unable to identify important symptoms and risk factors associated with it. Further, some patients assumed that glaucoma can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment, overall level of knowledge was poor.