Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Glaucoma is a disease characterized by atrophy of the optic nerve and progressive loss of vision. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness about glaucoma in study population. Materials & methods: The present study was conducted on 550 subjects of both genders. Socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of glaucoma, level of knowledge about glaucoma were recorded. Results: out of 568 subjects, males were 382 and females were 176. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.1). Age group 20-30 years had 75 males and 35 females, 31-40 years had 80 males and 36 females, 41-50 years had 86 males and 40 females, 51-60 years had 70 males and 28 females and >60 years had 71 males and 37 females. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.1). In age group 21-30 years, 15 males and 9 females had awareness, in 31-40 years, 20 males and 7 females had awareness, in 41-50 years, 19 males and 6 females had awareness, in 51-60 years, 12 males and 6 females had awareness, in >60 years, 9 males and 4 females had awareness. In age group 21-30 years, 9 males and 4 females had knowledge, in 31-40 years, 9 males and 3 females had knowledge, in 41-50 years, 6 males and 2 females had knowledge, in 51-60 years, 5 males and 2 females had knowledge, in >60 years, 3 males and 1 female had knowledge. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge among rural people of Eastern UP is very poor. There is need to educate the people regarding signs and symptoms of glaucoma so that early detection and treatment is given to the needy. Key words: Awareness, Glaucoma, Knowledge