Knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in South India

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. It is estimated that by 2020, India will become the second largest population affected with glaucoma. Despite the various efforts by government and NGO agencies in conducting various out-reach and screening programmes the burden of glaucoma seems to be rising in India. Aims and Objectives: Our study was aimed to find the awareness about glaucoma and the level of knowledge and the various reasons for the lack of its knowledge. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based study was done on 1311 participants above 40 years of age attending the OPD. Participants who were aware of the condition glaucoma were further asked about the basic knowledge of the condition pertaining to its symptoms, treatment options and its visual prognosis. Results: The awareness of glaucoma was found to be poor. Around 10% of the aware population had good to excellent knowledge about glaucoma. Relatives of people affected by glaucoma were the most aware and knowledgable. Conclusion: Our study showed that the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma and its risk factors and treatment were poor, especially in a population with lower economic status and literacy levels.