Awareness and Perception of Glaucoma Among Patients Attending Ophthalmology OPD in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

NCT07153588 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: Ref no. 771/BKMC
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 379
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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

Conditions

Glaucoma

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Level of Awareness about Glaucoma

  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.

  At the time of questionnaire completion (baseline, single visit)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Perception of Glaucoma and Its Curability

  (Baseline, single visit)

Interventions

Level of awareness OTHER

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.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population includes adult patients aged 18 to 80 years who attend the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department (OPD) at Mardan Medical Complex, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Both new and follow-up patients are included, regardless of whether they have glaucoma or another eye condition. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds, with many residing in rural areas and a large proportion having limited or no formal education. Patients with diagnosed glaucoma, those with other ocular problems such as cataract or refractive errors, and individuals with systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are all eligible. Patients unable to provide informed responses due to cognitive impairment, mental illness, ocular malignancy, or active ocular bleeding are excluded.

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bacha Khan Medical College: lead

Study Sites (1)

Mardan Medical Comlex, Mardan

Mardan, KPK, 23200, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Glaucoma

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Ocular Hypertension; Eye Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Doctor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 25, 2025
• First Posted: September 4, 2025
• Study Start: April 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 5, 2025
• Study Completion: June 5, 2025
• Last Updated: September 4, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Locations

PA (1)