Abstract

Study Design: Cross- sectional study.
Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of first-degree relatives of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients towards the disease.
Methods: A survey was conducted among 100 first degree relatives of POAG patients attending Eye OPD of a tertiary care centre. Questions assessing their basic knowledge of the disease, risk factors, and need for screening were asked and analysed using statistical tests.
Results: Definition of glaucoma was unknown to 67% of the participants & half of them had not heard the term glaucoma. 87% of the relatives were not aware of family history as risk factor of glaucoma; 76% responded that glaucoma is a reversible disease & 68% suggested central vision loss as a symptom of glaucoma. All of them were eager to be screened, but 40% of them actually came for screening; out of which only 11% were diagnosed with POAG.
Conclusion: Awareness regarding glaucoma has to be increased in relatives of POAG patients.