Tackling the Silent Thief of Sight: Assessing Glaucoma Awareness, Knowledge, and Risk of Prevalence in Karachi

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to assess understanding of glaucoma awareness and knowledge, alongside the prevalence of glaucoma and associated risk factors among the general population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey-based study determined a sample size of 384 using a z-test score at a 95% confidence interval with a margin of error of 0.05. Data were collected via questionnaire over approximately six months. Basic statistical techniques, including frequency and percentage calculations using MS Excel version 2016, were employed for data analysis. Results: Five hundred individuals participated in the survey. Glaucoma awareness was noted in 56% of respondents, with 9.6% having a confirmed diagnosis of glaucoma. Higher education, positive family history of glaucoma, and previous eye tests were significantly associated with glaucoma awareness. Media served as the primary source of glaucoma information. Higher education correlated with better glaucoma understanding, while increasing age, exposure to high-intensity light, and associated disorders were linked to a higher glaucoma prevalence. Conclusion: Glaucoma, a common eye ailment, can lead to blindness. Training medical personnel to identify symptoms and expanding public knowledge and treatment options are crucial to reducing its occurrence. Raising awareness and providing free medical care to the underprivileged can significantly enhance quality of life.