Glaucoma awareness amongst glaucoma patients seeking a second opinion

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess level of glaucoma awareness amongst glaucoma patients by studying characteristics amongst urban and rural glaucoma populations in North India.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed and administered after appropriate validation amongst patients to identify determinants of glaucoma awareness. Trained personnel delivered the 11 questions to 1506 patients, aged 18 and above through random sampling. The questionnaire evaluated source of awareness, education, gender, location and age on the level of awareness of glaucoma. The outcomes were assessed based on patient’s responses.

Results

Age and education essay a significant role in glaucoma awareness. Awareness levels increased with the level of education significantly in both rural and urban settings (P value <0.001). Patients from lower educational backgrounds were significantly more likely to share their condition with their spouse compared to those with higher education (P value <0.001). Compared to the middle aged and elderly, young adults were less aware that glaucoma could run in families (P value <0.015).

Conclusions

There is a significant gap in the knowledge about glaucoma and its risks in both urban and rural set-ups in Northern India necessitating active steps to spread awareness regarding glaucoma and its relation with blindness.