Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma Among the Diabetic Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction  Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, often progresses silently, leading to irreversible optic neuropathy. Diabetics are at higher risk of developing glaucoma. In Saudi Arabia, with a high prevalence of diabetes, limited research has focused on glaucoma awareness among diabetics. This study investigates the current status of glaucoma awareness and knowledge among the general and diabetic populations in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2024 using a convenience sampling approach. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media and Google Forms, targeting Saudi Arabian residents, both diabetic and non-diabetic. The questionnaire, validated and translated into Arabic, included demographic questions and multiple-choice questions assessing glaucoma knowledge. A pilot study confirmed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.840). The sample size was calculated to be 385 participants, ensuring a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Results A total of 518 participants were surveyed, with 52.9% having diabetes. Most participants (74.3%) were unaware of the term "glaucoma," and only 11.8% had been diagnosed with the condition. Awareness was significantly higher among those who had undergone ocular examinations in the past year (64.7%). Knowledge levels varied, with 43.1% showing average knowledge, 30.3% weak knowledge, and 26.6% good knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and factors such as diabetes status (p=0.0001), educational level (p=0.021), and sources of information, particularly medical staff (p=0.0001). Conclusion The study highlights a significant gap in glaucoma awareness and knowledge among the Saudi Arabian population, especially among diabetics. Increased educational efforts, particularly through medical staff, are crucial to improve glaucoma awareness and early detection, potentially reducing the burden of this disease. Further research should explore targeted interventions to enhance glaucoma knowledge among high-risk groups.