Stock image taken from Freepik website, used for representational purposes.
Doha: A recent study published in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences has revealed that less than half of adult patients attending ophthalmology clinics at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) centres in Qatar are aware of glaucoma, a major cause of irreversible blindness.
The study underscores the urgent need for targeted public health education to raise awareness and promote early detection of the disease.
Conducted as a cross-sectional survey, the study involved 300 participants — 175 men and 125 women — who were attending eye clinics at PHCC centres across the country.
Using a structured questionnaire, researchers gathered data on participants’ demographics and assessed their awareness and knowledge of glaucoma.
Statistical analysis revealed that only 43.7% of the respondents had heard of the disease.
The study entitled “Awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among patients attending the health centres related to the primary healthcare corporation in Qatar” was authored by Rime H Alauglha and Monia S. Mechrgui.
The study found that personal connection played a significant role in raising awareness: the most common source of information reported by participants was knowing someone affected by glaucoma.
However, overall awareness levels were still low, pointing to gaps in public knowledge about the disease and its potential consequences.
Demographic factors appeared to significantly influence awareness. Participants with higher levels of education were more likely to be aware of glaucoma, with 48.1% of university-educated individuals reporting familiarity with the condition.
Gender differences were also observed, with 51.6% of female respondents demonstrating awareness compared to 38% of males.
Age and language were additional influencing factors: the 50–60 age group showed the highest awareness at 50%, while Arabic speakers were the most informed, with an awareness rate of 52.3%.
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses without symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Early detection through regular eye exams is critical for preventing irreversible damage.
However, the study’s findings suggest that low public awareness may be hindering timely diagnosis and management in Qatar.
The researchers concluded that more robust and targeted public health campaigns are needed to educate the population about glaucoma.
These initiatives should focus on the disease’s risk factors, its potentially devastating complications, and the importance of routine eye screenings—especially for older adults and those with a family history of glaucoma.
Efforts must also take into account language preferences and educational disparities to ensure wide and effective reach.
