Glaucoma
Conditions
Brief summary
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of vision because it can slowly damage the optic nerve and cause permanent blindness if it is not found and treated early. Many people are not aware of glaucoma, its risk factors, or the importance of regular eye checkups. This study is being conducted at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of Mardan Medical Complex, a large tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. The aim is to find out how much patients know and understand about glaucoma, and what beliefs or misconceptions they may have. A total of 379 patients between the ages of 18 and 80 years will be asked to complete a simple questionnaire. The questions cover background information, eye history, knowledge about glaucoma, and attitudes toward screening and treatment. For patients who cannot read, trained staff will help them complete the questionnaire. The information from this study will help doctors and health policy makers design better educational programs, improve public awareness, and encourage early eye screening. This can reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss caused by glaucoma
Detailed description
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is often described as the silent thief of vision. Because it progresses slowly and early symptoms are often missed, many patients only seek medical care after significant vision has already been lost. Lack of awareness and misconceptions about glaucoma are major barriers to early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study is designed to measure the awareness and perception of glaucoma among patients attending the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital in Mardan, Pakistan. Using a structured questionnaire, researchers will collect information on four domains: Sociodemographic details (age, gender, education, occupation, residence, and family history of glaucoma) Ocular history (previous eye disease, surgery, or diagnosis of glaucoma) Awareness of glaucoma (understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment) Perceptions and attitudes (beliefs about curability, reversibility of vision loss, and willingness to undergo screening or learn more). A total of 379 participants will be included, and assistance will be provided for patients who cannot read or write to ensure accurate responses. Statistical analysis will be used to identify patterns and factors associated with higher or lower awareness levels. The findings are expected to highlight critical knowledge gaps, common misconceptions, and areas where targeted educational efforts are most needed. By identifying who is most at risk of poor awareness, this study will provide evidence for developing effective public health interventions, awareness campaigns, and screening programs. Ultimately, the results aim to support earlier diagnosis and better management of glaucoma, reducing preventable vision loss in the community.
Interventions
OTHERLevel of awareness
This study uses a structured, interviewer-assisted questionnaire as the main intervention. The questionnaire is designed to assess patients' awareness and perception of glaucoma. It includes four sections: Sociodemographic information (age, gender, education, occupation, residence, family history) Ocular history (diagnosis of glaucoma, history of eye disease, surgery, or previous eye checkups) Awareness of glaucoma (understanding of risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options) Perceptions and attitudes (beliefs about curability, reversibility of vision loss, and willingness for screening and education). For illiterate participants, trained research staff will administer the questionnaire verbally without influencing responses. The data collection method distinguishes this intervention from treatment-based studies, as it focuses on knowledge assessment and perception analysis rather than a medical or surgical procedure.
Sponsors
Bacha Khan Medical College
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adult patients between 18 and 80 years of age attending the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department (new or follow-up cases). * Patients with ocular conditions, including diagnosed glaucoma and other eye pathologies.
Exclusion criteria
* Patients with cognitive impairment or mental illness that limits their ability to understand or respond to the questionnaire. * Patients with ocular malignancy or active ocular bleeding.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Awareness about Glaucoma | At the time of questionnaire completion (baseline, single visit) | Proportion of participants who demonstrate correct perception of glaucoma, defined as identifying it as a disease associated with increased intraocular pressure and risk of irreversible vision loss. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Perception of Glaucoma and Its Curability | (Baseline, single visit) | Percentage of participants who believe glaucoma is curable, reversible, or leads to permanent blindness. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed