Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards glaucoma among new glaucoma patients and their first-degree relatives in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among individuals with newly identified glaucoma and their first-degree relatives. The total anticipated sample size for this study was 190 participants.
Results: This study included a total of 185 participants. Patients represented (36.8%) of participants, while (63.2%) were first-degree relatives of recently diagnosed patients. Results showed that 99 (53.5%) participants had good knowledge of glaucoma. Family history of glaucoma was the most popular risk factor (70.8%). About symptoms, blurred vision (49.2%) and severe pain in the eye (23.2%) were the most common. More than two-thirds (69.7%) agreed that regular eye checkups are very important in discovering glaucoma. The majority of participants (44.3%) reported visiting an eye care specialist only if they had symptoms.
Conclusion: The study concluded that more than half of the participants had good knowledge and a favorable attitude towards glaucoma. However, only a minority adhered to specific practices to keep their eyes healthy.

Key words: Blindness, glaucoma, ocular pressure, first-degree relatives, knowledge, attitude, practice, Saudi Arabia