Perception of Congenital Cataract among Saudi Parents in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the awareness of congenital cataract among parents in Saudi Arabia.

SETTING

Nationwide study conducted in Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

STUDY METHODOLOGY: The target demographic consists of parents in Saudi Arabia; each participant anonymously completed the Google Forms questionnaire. Saudi citizens who are parents and have consented to participate in the study all met the requirements for inclusion criteria. The exclusion criteria included individuals without children, non-Saudi citizens, and those refusing to take part in the study. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS).

RESULTS

Out of 1554 participants, 1422 have met the inclusion criteria. A majority (58.31%) have heard of congenital cataract before taking the survey. With most respondents (56.09%) able to identify it as the opacification of the eye lens, while a significant number (31.45%) are unsure. A substantial proportion of respondents (59.96%) believe that congenital cataract can be cured. Participants of the female gender ( P = 0.016), aged above 60 ( P < 0.01), and people with diplomas or higher educational degrees ( P = 0.019 and < 0.01) were more aware about congenital cataracts and its treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that parents in Saudi Arabia have an adequate understanding and awareness about congenital cataract and its treatment. However, awareness and educational programs regarding congenital cataracts are recommended to further improve their understanding of the disease.