Perception and Awareness of the Scourge of Glaucoma in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a major public health problem, responsible for 8% of global blindness and the commonest cause of irreversible blindness. Increasing public knowledge of glaucoma would help reduce late diagnosis and blindness.

Objective: To assess public understanding of glaucoma and its consequences.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey using an electronic semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in two states of Southwest Nigeria.

Results: Four hundred and twenty-three [423] respondents participated in this study. The age range was 18-66 years, with a mean age of 38.7±9.6 years, and 46.1% of the participants were males. Out of the respondents, 360 (85.1%) had heard of glaucoma before the survey, but only 231 (54.6%) could provide accurate definitions of it. One hundred and forty-three (33.8%) knew that glaucoma can cause blindness, whereas only 32 (22.4%) knew that it can result in irreversible blindness. General healthcare workers (22%), social media, television, radio, and internet (19.9%), family members (17%), and eye care workers (14.8%) were identified as the primary sources of glaucoma awareness.

Conclusion: This study revealed a limited understanding of glaucoma, despite high awareness. It emphasises the need for eye care workers to provide targeted public education on the condition.