DR. VISHWARAJ C.R.

DR. KAVITHA S., DR.ANNAMALAI O, DR. RENGARAJ VENKATESH

Abstract

Background: This study aims to understand the effect of the pandemic on the relationship between glaucoma severity and seeking care.

Methods: Patient data presenting with glaucoma in both 2019 and 2020 were collected and compared using Chi square test. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) surveys were administered to 246 patients.

Results: The proportion of asymptomatic conditions like Disc suspect, POAG decreased, while those with acute presentations like PAC, PACG and PXFG increased, p<0.001. The results of the KAP study yield an average knowledge, attitude and practice scores of 39.9/48(83%), 11.8/18(65%) and 32.7/40(81%) respectively across the 246 participating patients. Discussion: Types of glaucoma associated with high intraocular pressure like PAC, PACG and PXFG are all symptomatic and therefore presented with higher frequency during the pandemic. Conclusions: Our study confirms that COVID-19 pandemic resulted in serious delays in many glaucoma patients seeking care.