Awareness of Age-Related Eye Diseases Among Adults Over 40 Years in Baghdad

Abstract

Knowledge of common eye diseases plays an important role in encouraging people to seek treatment for eye problems. This study was conducted to assess awareness and knowledge of cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma in people 40 years and above. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by convenient sampling. Among 183 participants aged 40 years and above from the general population. Data was collected through a semi structured questionnaire and was conducted through direct interviews to 183 participants in Al Kindy hospital in Baghdad. The results showed awareness for cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma was 150 (82%), 142 (77.6%), and 132(72.1%) respectively.  Knowledge about these diseases is treatable was 131(87.3%), 68 (47.9%) and 69 (52.3%) respectively and knowledge about the worst effect of these diseases is blindness was 71 (47.3 %), 114(80.3%) and 101(76.5%) respectively. About source of information for these diseases (44.3%) of the participants took their information from social media. There was a significant statistical association between age with awareness about cataract and occupation with awareness about glaucoma. Public education for periodic eye checks effective measures for its early detection and management regarding these three diseases.