Public Awareness regarding Common Eye Diseases among Saudi Adults in Riyadh City: A Quantitative Study

Public Awareness of Common Age-Related Eye Diseases in Northern Saudi Arabia

Background: Visual impairment and blindness pose substantial public health challenges in Saudi Arabia, especially among the elderly susceptible to blinding eye diseases. Assessing awareness of age-related eye diseases (AREDs) is vital for addressing vision loss in this demographic. However, there is a lack of research on ARED awareness in Northern Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for evidence-based data from adult populations to craft effective health promotion strategies.

METHODS

This population-based descriptive survey was conducted on 411 Saudi adults aged 18-70 residing in Arar City, Saudi Arabia, over six months from September 2023. Random sampling was employed, and awareness levels were assessed using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 20.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

 Among the 411 participants, 225 (54.7%) were aged 18-29 years, 312 (76%) were females, and 299 (72.6%) held a bachelor's degree or diploma. Regarding awareness, 71.3% knew about cataracts, but nearly half erroneously believed it could be treated solely medically. For diabetic retinopathy (DR), 366 (89%) recognized lifestyle modifications, and 378 (92%) understood screening as preventive measures. Most participants understood prevention methods for all four diseases, but misconceptions about treatment options were observed. Awareness of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) was lower. No significant age-related differences were found in awareness, except for cataracts (P = 0.001). Education significantly influenced awareness of cataracts, DR, and glaucoma (P = 0.001, 0.013, and 0.008, respectively), but not ARMD (P = 0.606). The study found that the internet is the primary source of information on AREDs for most participants, except for cataracts, where friends and relatives are prominent.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals varying awareness levels of AREDs among Saudi adults. Although most participants understood preventive measures, misconceptions about treatment underscore the need for accurate education channels. Healthcare professionals must ensure information reliability to effectively combat misinformation and enhance awareness of AREDs.

Awareness of Keratoconus and Its Relationship With Eye Rubbing Among the Population of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye, becomes thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

AIM

This study aims to assess the awareness level of keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing among the population in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, involving all eligible participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from March to June 2023. The data were collected through social media.

RESULTS

A total of 388 eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 19 to 60 years, with a mean age of 26.2 ± 13.9 years. There were 265 (68.3%) female participants. Regarding public awareness about keratoconus among participants in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, our research revealed a total of 101 (26%) participants had an overall good awareness of keratoconus, while 287 (74%) had a poor awareness level. The most reported source of information included scientific lectures (21.6%). Precisely, 316 (81.4%) of the research subjects rub their eyes primarily because of allergies (7%), strain headaches (25%), and itching (66.5%).

CONCLUSION

Most of the study participants have poor awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.

Glaucoma among Saudi Arabian population: a scoping review

Despite its high risk of leading to permanent visual dysfunction, glaucoma remains underdiagnosed in primary care settings. About 11% of glaucoma patients in Saudi Arabia end up with bilateral blindness. This scoping review investigates and presents results on the glaucoma profile, including its prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practice of Saudi Arabians towards the disease. An online search using four databases through online software (www.rayyan.ai) was performed to extract the relevant articles. Out of 76 records, 21 articles were eligible for the analysis. All included studies were published between the years 2014 and 2022. Most studies were in Riyadh city, followed by Jeddah. All participants (n=11 388) were adults >18 years old, and male participants were generally higher than females. The findings showed poor knowledge of glaucoma among the general population, while the knowledge among glaucoma patients was acceptable. The attitude was positive, while the compliance and practice were fair. More educational programs about glaucoma, its risk to the eyes, and the overall quality of life are highly recommended.

Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Adult Population in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Glaucoma can be considered a heterogeneous group of diseases with characteristic progressive optic neuropathy, which causes the development of visual field dysfunctions and irreversible blindness. Glaucoma is the most prevalent cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Aim This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma and its associated risk factors among the adult population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 participants aged 40 years and above in the Jazan region. A convenience sampling technique was adopted to obtain the target sample size. Data were collected using a self-administered electronic questionnaire on Google Forms. Results A majority (73.1%) of the 387 respondents to the questionnaire were in the age group of 40-50 years, with the average age being 47.43 years. No statistically significant difference was found between different age groups' level of knowledge (p=0.769). In addition, the difference between levels of knowledge based on participants' residence was also statistically insignificant (p=0.387). Of the participants who were not diagnosed with glaucoma, 55% had poor knowledge of glaucoma; however, only 3.10% of the participants diagnosed with glaucoma had poor knowledge of the condition. Consequently, there was a statistically significant difference between participants' levels of knowledge based on their diagnosis of glaucoma (p=0.04). Conclusion The study revealed low knowledge and awareness levels regarding glaucoma among adults aged 40 years and above in the Jazan region.

Knowledge and Awareness of Glaucoma Among People Living in Taif City in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Background Glaucoma represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by progressive and irreversible optic nerve damage, visual field impairment, and potential blindness. Limited awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and increased healthcare burden. This research explored glaucoma awareness in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. It delved into the influence of demographics, socioeconomic factors, and cultural beliefs on awareness. The study aimed to inform tailored awareness campaigns and policy decision-makers about regional awareness, ultimately contributing to effective healthcare initiatives in the region. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif City including adults (>18 years) using a community-based approach. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Results This study included 1,000 participants. Most participants were males, aged 18-29 years, with 51.1% (n = 511) having at least a bachelor's education. The media (n = 341, 34.1%) and relatives/friends (n = 336, 33.6%) were common sources of glaucoma information. Among all participants, 58.5% (n = 585) had heard of glaucoma, and many were uncertain about glaucoma's definition and normal eye pressure values. About 63.1% (n = 631) believed in a cure, and 43.1% thought vision loss could be restored. Gender, education, and family history significantly influenced awareness. Closed-angle glaucoma (n = 297, 29.7%) and open-angle glaucoma (n = 231, 23.1%) were recognized types, with surgery (n = 371, 37.1%) and laser treatment (n = 274, 27.4%) perceived as potential cures. Conclusions This study revealed glaucoma awareness among adults in Taif City. Gender, education, and family history played significant roles in shaping awareness levels. There is a need for targeted educational efforts to improve knowledge about glaucoma in the community.

Public awareness about glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To identify the public level of knowledge about the common ophthalmological conditions in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant literature. We included questionnaire-based cross-sectional studies performed in Saudi Arabia assessing the public awareness and attitude about general knowledge, causes/risk factors, signs/symptoms, disabilities/consequences, and relieving/management measures of the common ophthalmological conditions including glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The meta-analysis was performed on outcomes reported in ≥ 2 studies utilizing the random-effects model. Quality assessment was done using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. A total of 72 questions were reported in ≥ 2 studies and were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of participants was 14,408. The meta-analysis estimated that 57.63% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56.87-60.07%), 69.90% (95% CI 67.02-76.07%), and 68.65% (95% CI 65.94-71.23%) of the Saudi public have you ever heard or read about glaucoma, cataract, and DR, respectively. Of the public surveyed in the included studies, 43.68% (95% CI 41.54-45.85%), 55.43% (95% CI 54.03-56.82%), and 63% (95% CI 60.8-65.1%) believed that glaucoma, cataract, and DR could be treated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review showed that the level of knowledge among the Saudi population about the common ophthalmological conditions was the highest with respect to cataract, followed by DR and glaucoma. The areas of unsatisfactory level of awareness about the common ophthalmological conditions included risk factors, signs/symptoms, complications, and management options. These areas need to be addressed appropriately by future educational interventions.

Knowledge of Cancer Genetics and the Importance of Genetic Testing: A Public Health Study

Background Cancer represents a global concern as the second-leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a genetic disease that develops as a result of several genetic abnormalities and changes to specific genes. Thus, early preventive measures and clinical interventions can be implemented with impressive results using genetic testing and screening for hereditary susceptibility. Objectives The present study assessed the knowledge of cancer genetics and of the importance of genetic testing among the general population in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Makkah Province. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from November 2022 through December 2022. Results The study recruited 1,329 participants, the largest group of whom were 21-30 years old (n=524, 39.4%). About 60.1% of the respondents were female. The findings reveal that 52.52% of the respondents had poor knowledge, while only 4.82% exhibited good knowledge. Conclusion Approximately half the total participants possessed an inadequate understanding of cancer genetics and the importance of genetic testing. This indicates the need for awareness campaigns and programs to improve the general population's understanding of the genetic predisposition to cancer.

Parent's Awareness of Preventive Measures for Digital Eye Strain Syndrome among Saudi Students after 1 Year of Online Studies - A Survey

PURPOSE

The digital eye strain (DES) is of public health magnitude in students undertaking online studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DES prevention strategies will be effective if all stakeholders, including parents, work together. We present an awareness level of preventive measures among parents of students studying online for 1 year.

METHODS

This web-based survey was held in December 2021. Parents of Saudi students in the Qassim region responded to 15 questions about the preventive measures for DES. The responses were summed up and graded into very poor, poor, good, and excellent. The level of awareness was associated with determinants.

RESULTS

The awareness was excellent in 566 of 704 (80.4%) (95% confidence interval 77.5-83.3) participants. Parents had poor awareness about the importance of the 20-20-20 rule (43.8%), frequent blinking (56.7%), using digital devices beyond studies (57.4%), using eye lubricants while using a digital device (56%), and using devices at night in lying position (69.6%). Excellent awareness was significantly associated with primary-level students (P = 0.0004), those having ophthalmic consultation in the past (P = 0.02), and students with DES (P = 0.0006). Parents with excellent awareness were not satisfied with online studies of their wards (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Awareness of parents about preventive measures to address DES in students is relatively high. However, health promotion is recommended, especially focusing on the weak areas to improve DES and its impact on students.

What the Canadian public (mis)understands about eyes and eye care

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Inadequate public knowledge about eyes and eye care poses avoidable risks to vision-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND

This study of eye care knowledge among Canadians extends earlier findings from focus groups.

METHODS

Perceptions about eyes and eye care were sought using a 21-item online survey and snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were living in Canada and being at least 18-years old; eye care professionals and staff were excluded. Response frequencies were converted to percentages, with eye condition items analysed according to 'expected' or 'unexpected' eye impacts. Proportions selecting these impacts or 'unsure' were determined.

RESULTS

There were 424 respondents: 83.0% aged 20-65 years and 69.6% female. Mismatches existed between perceived recommendations and behaviours for booking eye exams: within two years (86.7% vs. 68.4%) and symptom-driven (3.3% vs. 13.0%). First eye exams after age one year were deemed appropriate by 43.6%. Few respondents associated glaucoma with no symptoms (6.0%) or amblyopia with blurred vision (13.5%). A notable proportion incorrectly related tunnel vision with age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 36.8%) and cataract (21.9%). Identifying all 'expected' responses was unlikely for glaucoma (1.9%), amblyopia (6.7%), and cataract (12.0%). Most respondents identified no 'expected' effects for glaucoma (63.8%) and AMD (46.2%) and some 'expected' effects for cataract (59.5%) and amblyopia (72.6%). Selecting 'unsure' was 9-10 times more common among respondents choosing no 'expected' impacts than those choosing some. Awareness of thyroid-associated eye disease was lowest (32.4%) of seven conditions. Respondents were most likely to consult optometrists for routine eye exams, eye disease, diabetes eye checks and blurred vision but family physicians for red eyes and sore eyes. Respondents typically paid for their eye exams and eyewear but wanted government to pay.

CONCLUSION

Vision-threatening knowledge gaps and misinformation about eyes and eye care among Canadian respondents highlight the need for accessible, targeted public education.

Awareness About Keratoconus and Its Relation With Eye Rubbing: A Cross-Sectional Study in Medina

BACKGROUND

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical progressive disorder characterized by ectasia, thinning, and increased curvature of the cornea, as well as loss of visual acuity. Eye rubbing is considered the most common risk factor for keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the awareness of the population in Medina about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study involving 767 participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from November 2021 to January 2022, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.  Results: Among the study participants, 94.1% have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Participants who have a visual disturbance and positive family history of keratoconus were found to have good awareness levels. Those who heard about keratoconus represent 39.8% of the participants, and relatives with keratoconus were the most common source of their information. An allergic reaction was reported by 34.9% of the participants, and 7.7% have a family history of keratoconus. Only 27.8% believe in the relationship between keratoconus and allergy, and 61.9% have no idea about the treatment. For eye rubbing, 28.9% of participants believe it can lead to keratoconus; also, 80.4% reported rubbing their eyes, and itching was the most common cause of their behavior.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the participants have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.

Parents’ Awareness and Perception of Children’s Eye Diseases in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The visual system becomes more susceptible to conditions causing abnormal binocular interaction or blurred visual input as it matures during the first six years of life. Therefore, detection and treatment of visual impairment at a young age can lower the burden of the condition in adulthood. According to estimates, there are 19 million children worldwide with visual impairment, and 1.4 million children suffer from blindness. One of the strategies to address blinding eye conditions and visual impairment is through health promotion. For children, the efficient way of intervention is through parents and their school environment. Therefore, the establishment of an effective health promotion model for addressing childhood blindness requires awareness building of parents and health care practices. Few studies were undertaken in Saudi Arabia to focus on the awareness of parents about childhood eye diseases and visual impairment. The aim of this study is to assess parents’ awareness and perception of children’s eye diseases in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from January to December 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed to parents of children aged 15 and younger via WhatsApp. The survey consisted of four main sections: socio-demographic data, knowledge about eye care, knowledge about eye diseases, and eye care practice.

Results

The knowledge about eye diseases in children was of excellent grade in 20 parents (3.6%), good in 101 (18.2%), and poor in 434 (78.2%). Knowledge was good in 287 parents (51.7%) for amblyopia, 65 (11.7%) for childhood cataract, and 69 (12.4%) for childhood glaucoma. The attitude regarding children wearing spectacles and undergoing ophthalmic surgery when needed was positive in 427 (76.9%) and 474 (85.4%) parents, respectively. Over half of the participants (58.6%) had visited an ophthalmology clinic for the examination of their children. Doctors, campaigns, and social media were the preferred modes of receiving knowledge. Participants aged 51 years or over (p = 0.022), with a higher income level (p = 0.004), of Saudi origin (p = 0.036), and those with a child with an eye disease (p = 0.001) had significantly higher knowledge scores about childhood eye diseases.

Conclusion

The levels of knowledge, practice, and attitude among parents regarding pediatric eye diseases were unsatisfactory. Health promotion through utilizing parents’ preferred modes of media could improve the eye care of children in the study area. 

Assessment of the Levels of Knowledge Regarding Cataract and Glaucoma in Saudi Arabia and Measurement of the Ability to Differentiate Between the Two

Objectives

To assess the general public’s level of knowledge on glaucoma and cataract and measure their ability to differentiate between the two.

Materials and methods

This was an analytic, cross-sectional study. We used a self-explanatory questionnaire to obtain information regarding the level of knowledge of glaucoma and cataract and measured the ability of the public to differentiate between the two in Saudi Arabia. The obtained results were manually entered into an Excel sheet and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.

Results

The levels of knowledge on glaucoma and cataract and those of education were significantly associated (chi-square: P < 0.001). There was a significant association between having an eye condition and the ability to correctly define glaucoma and cataract (chi-square: P = 0.002). Concerning the definition of glaucoma, 48.4% of the participants who had a previous eye disorder answered correctly, whereas 40.1% of the participants who had no previous eye disorder answered correctly. In addition, 20.9% of the participants with a previous eye disease and 17.6% of the participants without any previous eye disease defined glaucoma incorrectly as cataract. A total of 71.4% of the participants with a previous eye disease, compared with 49.6% of the participants without any previous eye disease, correctly defined cataract. In addition, only 7.3% of the participants with a history of eye disease answered the definition of cataract as that of glaucoma (glaucoma: chi-square, P = 0.002; cataract: chi-square, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study is in line with other studies measuring the knowledge of the two diseases, with glaucoma being less known than cataract. While many of the participants were able to define glaucoma and cataract, they had many difficulties identifying how they present and which symptom belonged to cataract and glaucoma. Glaucoma and cataract were confused by a number of participants especially in the case of glaucoma as more defined it as cataract rather than the opposite.

Awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among patients visiting the screening clinic in Jeddah Eye Hospital, Saudi Arabia

AIM

To explore levels and determinants of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that included adult patients from October to the end of December 2018. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed by the researchers to measure the levels of awareness and knowledge about 18 basic information about glaucoma. The sheet was divided into 4 domains: types of glaucoma, risk factors, clinical features, and management. A knowledge score (KS, range=0-18) was calculated, with higher scores indicating higher levels.

RESULTS

A total of 383 patients responded to the questionnaire, 61.9% males, mean±SD age was 38.5±12.94 years old, and 61.6% had a university degree or higher. Of them, 6.3% and 23.2% reported personal and family history of glaucoma, respectively. The most frequently reported source of information about glaucoma was another person with glaucoma (28.2%), followed by physicians (24.8%) and TV (19.6%). Knowledge by item ranged from 3.1% to 82.5% correctness rate, while KS showed mean=5.91 and median=5; and reliability testing of the knowledge scale showed Cronbach's alpha=0.782. Higher KS were found among respondents with higher educational level (P=0.036), diabetes history (P=0.025), and personal (P<0.001) and family (P<0.001) history of glaucoma.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals low awareness and knowledge levels about glaucoma among the attendees of a local eye care hospital, where several misconceptions about disease risk factors, clinical features, and management are identified.

Public Awareness of Common Eye Diseases and the Role of Pharmacists in Raising This Awareness in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge of common eye disorders and their prevention and treatment can play an essential role in reducing the visual impairment burden. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from 15 November 2020 to 15 January 2021 to estimate the knowledge and awareness about common eye problems and their possible risk factors among the general population of the Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. The study also investigated the participants’ sources of information about eye diseases. Participants from various areas of the Hail Region were randomly selected. There were four parts in the questionnaire based upon the general awareness about the common eye diseases, participants’ knowledge and awareness of risk factors associated with eye disorders, awareness of treatment and prevention of various eye disorders, and the participants’ sources of information about ocular diseases. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants by direct contact with them at eye clinics, hospitals, malls, and markets. The number of participants in the survey was 400 people, 53.8% males and 46.3% females. Cataracts were known to 31% of the participants, 43% knew about glaucoma, 66% knew about dry eyes, and 44% knew about diabetic retinopathy. Overall, 46% of the participants knew about eye problems, and the male participants had better knowledge about eye problems than the female ones. The primary sources of information about the common eye diseases were pharmacists (43.3%), family physicians (40.3%), the Internet (37.3%), the community (37.3%), television and radio (9.3%), and books/ brochures (9.5%). In the Hail Region, the general public carries a moderate awareness of preventable vision-threatening ocular disorders. However, the awareness of cataracts and glaucoma was low. The gaps in awareness can be overcome by public health promotion. In offering information about eye conditions to the general public, pharmacists may play a crucial role.

Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among Saudis with diabetes type 2 in Riyadh city

Objective:

To assess awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for Saudis with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 in Riyadh City.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in primary healthcare centers in Riyadh City between October and December 2019.

Results:

There were 267 Saudi participants with diabetes mellitus type 2 visiting primary healthcare clinics. (52.4%) were aged 40 years or above at time of diagnosis with diabetes. (73%) had diabetes for at least 5 years. Most of the participants have a good blood glucose control and they do home measurements. In regard to DR, (64.4%) of participants had no subjective or objective indicators of retinopathy, and (70%) had visited ophthalmology clinics. Majority of the participants were advised about DR or referred to an ophthalmologist by their primary physician, with the percentages being (64.8%) and (59.6%), respectively. Regarding other risk factors of DR, (19.5%) had a family history of DR, (23.2%) of participant are smokers and (41.6%) were hypertensives. Majority of the participants were aware about all the aspects of DR, its consequences, and appropriate management except the laser therapy. In terms of area of living and education respondents, who lived in the center of Riyadh City and the secondary level or less educated participants had the lowest level of education.

Conclusions:

Awareness of DR is acceptable but should not lead this information to reduced awareness and educational programs. Outreach researchers' efforts should cover other directions instead awareness of DR.

Public Awareness regarding the Differences between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists among Saudi Adults Living in Riyadh: A Quantitative Study

Awareness of the patients to the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists has been recognized as an important factor influencing patient utilization of available eye care services. This study aimed at assessing the public's knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists among the residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was administered to adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to February in 2018. The number of the respondents was 1579. Results show that 50% (n=789) of the participants had fair knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists, while 32% (n=505) had poor knowledge. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between satisfactory knowledge and visiting an optometrist (odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57–0.98), age older than 26 (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.17–1.19), higher level of education (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.54–2.4), and wearing spectacles (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.73). Given the low level of public knowledge regarding the differences in the duties between ophthalmologist and optometrists among a Saudi population, there is great potential for general population education through awareness campaign and social media regarding eye care provider's duties and practices.