DR. ARSHI SINGH

Prof.KIRTI SINGH, Dr.Shweta Viswanath, DR. PRIYA SARAF, DR.NISHA CHAUDHARY

Abstract

Purpose: Assess knowledge, attitudes, referral practices of glaucoma patients in government hospital

Method: Questionnaire-based study observational study on patients referred to glaucoma clinic in tertiary care hospital

Results: Of 500 patients studied, 60% elderly males (>60 years) , 43% illiteracy, 51 % OAG & 47 % ACG. Visual impairment at 92% was commonest symptom. Delay in seeking treatment >6 months in 41% , 48% (1-6 months), attributed to lack of awareness (62 %).

Referral reasons: high IOP 60 %, disc suspect 39 %, 80% having no gonioscopy performed. Lack of disease awareness high at 91 % , only 8 % realizing irreversibility. Awarenes strongly associated with patient’s educational status. 95 % sought treatment in the government facility citing lack of resources.

Conclusions: Continual lack of glaucoma awareness among patients attending government hospitals and non-performance of gonioscopy in population with almost 50% having ACG, remains a worrisome feature

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