Abstract

COMMON EYE DISEASES

*Nusratfatema Vijapura, Kasish Bhanushali, Diya Patel, Darshan Chaudhary, Aslam Memon, Akram Pathan, Akshit Shah, Dev Sagar and Farhan Mumbaigara

ABSTRACT

Public knowledge and awareness of eye diseases may influence individuals’ behaviors toward the use of eye care services and prevention methods. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of common eye diseases and their risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with knowledge of eye diseases. This nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adults in Poland. Most of the respondents had heard of cataracts (83.6%), glaucoma (80.7%), conjunctivitis (74.3%), and hordeolum (73.8%). Awareness of dry eye syndrome was declared by 50% of respondents, and 40% were aware of retinal detachment. Among therespondents, 32.3% had heard of AMD, and 16.4% had heard of diabetic retinopathy. A lack of awareness of glaucoma was declared by 38.1% of respondents, and 54.3% declared a lack of awareness of risk factors for AMD. Gender, age, and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with awareness of common eye diseases and risk factors for glaucoma and AMD. This study demonstrated a low level of awareness of common eye diseases among adults in Poland. Personalized communication on eye diseases is needed.[1]

Keywords: Introduction-List of common eye disease-Cataract-Glaucoma-Diabetes related retinopathy-Age related macular degeneration-Night blindness.