Awareness of diabetic and hypertensive eye disease in public

: OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of awareness of diabetic and hypertensive eye diseases in public. METHOD: A total of 653 patients took part in the study. They were requested to answer an interview based questionnaire which included questions regarding awareness of diabetic and hypertensive eye diseases. RESULTS: A total of 653 patients took part in this study. Mean age of the patient was 53.4 years and 51.6% were males. 147(22.5%) of the patients were diabetics and 294(32.8%) of the patients were hypertensive. Awareness of diabetic retinopathy was found in 182(27.9%). Only 5.1 %( 33) patients were aware of hypertension related eye diseases. 435(66.5%) of the patients were advised by the physicians for eye check up. Awareness of treatment for diabetic retinopathy was seen in 59(9%) patient’s only.CONCLUSION: There is a great need for health education in this Indian population to increase the level of awareness and knowledge of systemic disease related eye problems. This will help in early detection and treatment of eye diseases and reducing visual morbidity.