Prevalence of Eye Problems and Knowledge about Eye Health Among Patients Visiting an Eye Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Eye problems are prevalent among Bangladeshi population due to their ignorance regarding eye health. This study investigated the reasons for patients’ visit to an eye hospital and their knowledge about maintaining healthy eyes. Using a questionnaire, data were collected from 110 patients visiting a secondary eye care hospital situated in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Common reasons behind their hospital visit were blurry vision (45.5%), itchy eye (45.5%) and swollen or red eye (40.9%). Positive history of refractive errors and conjunctivitis were observed among the patients as well as their families. All adult patients (n = 92) knew that eating fruits, vegetables and fishes is good for the eyes. Majority of them were also aware of the importance of wearing protective eyewear (90.2%), knowing family eye health history (85.9%) and giving rest to eyes after electronic device use (81.5%). The positive impact of avoiding or quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight on eye health were known to less than half of them. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) knowledge score about eye health maintenance was related to young age, positive family history, male gender, higher education level and higher monthly family income. Therefore, improving the knowledge about maintenance of eye health needs to be addressed with highest importance to lower the continuing burden of visual impairments.

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 24(1): 1-9, 2025 (June)