A Cross-Sectional Study on Glaucoma Awareness and Knowledge among Spectacle Users and Non Users in an Ophthalmology Outpatient Setting in Kerala
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ajm.2021.4.02.18Keywords:
Glaucoma, Spectacle Users, Health Literacy, Blindness Pre vention, ScreeningAbstract
Background Glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. While general population awareness studies exist, few have analysed the influence of prior interaction with eye care services through spectacle correction. Spectacle users theoretically have greater exposure to eye health education Objectives To compare the awareness and knowledge levels regarding glaucoma between spectacle users and non-spectacle users attending a tertiary care centre. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2021 in the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department (OPD) at Government Medical College Palakkad in Kerala. A total of 400 participants aged >40 years were recruited and divided into two groups: Group A (Spectacle Users, n=200) and Group B (Non-Spectacle Users, n=200). Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Awareness of glaucoma was significantly higher in Group A (62.5%) compared to Group B (21.5%) (p<0.001). Among those aware, knowledge regarding high intraocular pressure (IOP) as a risk factor was identified by 58.4% of Group A compared to only 27.9% of Group B. Misconceptions were prevalent in the non-spectacle group, with 65.1% equating glaucoma with cataracts, versus 32.8% in the spectacle group. The primary source of information for Group A was eye care professionals (52%), whereas Group B relied heavily on friends and media (78%). Conclusion: There is a stark disparity in health literacy regarding glaucoma between spectacle and non-spectacle users. Routine visits for refractive correction serve as a vital entry point for health education. Public health strategies must specifically target emmetropic individuals or those using over-the-counter reading glasses who bypass professional eye .Downloads
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