A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON AWARENESS OF GLAUCOMAS AMONG PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC DISEASES ATTENDING OPHTHALMOLOGY OPD EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH

*Dr. Aishwarya Polisgowdar B., Dr. Bylappanavara Girish, Dr. Siddesh Harpanalli, Dr. Karishma Munoli, Dr. Ramanna Chalvadi and Dr. Srividya

ABSTRACT

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, remains a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate glaucoma awareness and knowledge among patients with systemic diseases attending an ophthalmology outpatient department. Conducted over six months, the study included 100 participants aged 40 years and above, with systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires and clinical evaluations, including optic disc assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, and visual field testing. The results revealed that while 62% of participants had heard of glaucoma, only 41% demonstrated an understanding of its causes, risk factors, and complications. Awareness was higher among patients with systemic diseases (72%) compared to those without (45%). Despite this, knowledge gaps persisted, with misconceptions about glaucoma's similarity to cataracts and a limited understanding of its risk factors, including age, family history, and systemic conditions. Encouragingly, 81% recognized the importance of annual ophthalmic screenings, particularly for those with systemic diseases. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve public understanding of glaucoma, emphasizing early detection, preventive measures, and management strategies. By bridging these knowledge gaps, healthcare systems can enhance glaucoma prevention and reduce the burden of blindness in at-risk populations.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Ophthalmology; Awareness; Knowledge; Ophthalmic screening.