Awareness of Cataract among Females-A Questionnaire Study

Background: Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. Clumps of protein in lens clouds the lens and reduces the sharpness of the image reaching the retina, It can affect one or both eyes. Often it develops slowly. Most cataracts are related to aging. Knowledge regarding cataract can help in early diagnosis and can prevent further complications like blindness.

Aim: A questionnaire based study to know the awareness of cataract among female patients visiting Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals from 40-50 age group.

Materials and Method: Questionnaire regarding the knowledge regarding cataract was distributed to the female patients aged 40-50yrs who agreed to participate in the study. The results were tabulated.

Results: The overall knowledge and awareness of cataract among female patients is poor. The study found poor understanding of the definition, risk factors, signs, symptoms, and treatment of cataract.

Conclusion: The study identified lacunae in awareness of cataract among female patients. The basic knowledge in early identification and treatment of cataract can prevent most of the complications.