Abstract
Knowledge of common eye disorders and their prevention and treatment can play an essential role in reducing the visual impairment burden. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from 15 November 2020 to 15 January 2021 to estimate the knowledge and awareness about common eye problems and their possible risk factors among the general population of the Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. The study also investigated the participants’ sources of information about eye diseases. Participants from various areas of the Hail Region were randomly selected. There were four parts in the questionnaire based upon the general awareness about the common eye diseases, participants’ knowledge and awareness of risk factors associated with eye disorders, awareness of treatment and prevention of various eye disorders, and the participants’ sources of information about ocular diseases. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants by direct contact with them at eye clinics, hospitals, malls, and markets. The number of participants in the survey was 400 people, 53.8% males and 46.3% females. Cataracts were known to 31% of the participants, 43% knew about glaucoma, 66% knew about dry eyes, and 44% knew about diabetic retinopathy. Overall, 46% of the participants knew about eye problems, and the male participants had better knowledge about eye problems than the female ones. The primary sources of information about the common eye diseases were pharmacists (43.3%), family physicians (40.3%), the Internet (37.3%), the community (37.3%), television and radio (9.3%), and books/ brochures (9.5%). In the Hail Region, the general public carries a moderate awareness of preventable vision-threatening ocular disorders. However, the awareness of cataracts and glaucoma was low. The gaps in awareness can be overcome by public health promotion. In offering information about eye conditions to the general public, pharmacists may play a crucial role.
Highlights
Good vision is an essential aspect of autonomous life
46% of the participants were aware of the different eye problems, and an increased number of male participants (cataract (n = 87, p = 0.000); glaucoma (n = 108, p = 0.001); dry eyes (n = 151); diabetic retinopathy (n = 105))
Were aware of the eye problems compared to the female participants (cataract (n = 36); glaucoma (n = 62); dry eyes (n = 111); diabetic retinopathy (n = 69))
Summary
At least 1 billion people have near or distant vision impairments that could have been prevented or have not yet been treated [1]. The primary causes of visual impairment are uncorrected refractive errors followed by cataracts. Other visual impairment causes include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [2]. The unawareness of prevention or the delay in seeking medical care for ocular diseases, such as glaucoma or cataract, may cause blindness [4]. It is alarming that many older adults are misguided to believe that visual impairment and blindness are a normal part of the aging process [5]. The epidemiology of visual impairment can be linked to an increasing rise in non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, and other lifestyle-related factors, including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and smoking [2]
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