Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Background: A patient’s health literacy is fundamental for navigating the health system and managing disease. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perception of prevalent eye diseases among the rural population of Punjab.

Aim: To promote health education in order to improve health literacy and eliminate preventable and treatable blindness.

Methodology: The subject's records were collected from the camp side at the community. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded from the study. In addition, unwilling participants and transient residents are eliminated from the study. The subject's age, gender, and other demographic information were collected at the campsite. This study included 251 individuals, 124 of whom were male and 126 of whom were female. 90 participants were illiterate, compared to 161 who were literate. They ranged in age from 20 to 85.

Result: Cataract awareness was 217, while glaucoma awareness was 208. 216 respondents were aware that diabetes and hypertension might cause eye difficulties. 178 individuals were able to cure minor eye conditions at home. 168 individuals were prescribed near/far vision glasses. 218 respondents were aware that children aged 1 to 2 years require an eye screening. 187 individuals believe that mobile phones and computers can cause eye problems, whereas 199 are aware of digital eye strain.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that the majority of participants in this survey were aware of prevalent eye disorders and their causes; therefore, there is a need for ocular healthcare to focus on weaker areas of knowledge through intervention.