Reasons for Delayed Presentation for Cataract Surgery in Patients of Lens Induced Glaucoma – A Questionnaire-based Study at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre of Central Rural India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the socioeconomic profile, awareness level and reasons for the delay in accessing timely eye care for cataract surgery in patients of lens-induced glaucoma (LIG). Methods This cross-sectional observational study included all patients with LIG who presented to a tertiary eye care centre in central rural India between March 2019 to February 2020. Data were collected through a questionnaire. Results Out of the 731 patients included in the study, the majority were females (69.36%). The mean age of the patients at presentation was 62.66 ± 10.37 years. Only a few participants, 193 (26.40%) were aware of LIG. Lower socioeconomic profile, older age, female gender and illiteracy were found to be strongly associated with awareness about LIG (p < .001). Patients waiting for the winter season (58.27%) to get operated was the major reason for delayed presentation to the hospital. Other reasons for the delayed presentation were – need not felt (feeling that intervention was not necessary) due to good vision in other eye (14.36%), financial issues (11.63%), long travelling distance (7.11%), no caretaker (6.89%), medical illness (1.78%) and fear of surgery (0.55%). Conclusion Delayed reporting for eye healthcare in patients of LIG is found to be multifactorial. Most patients preferred waiting for the winter season to get their eyes operated, which throws light on the mindset and ignorance of the patients in this part of central rural India. We further emphasize on strengthening the education and counseling efforts in the community to enable patients to access services in a timely fashion.