Awareness and attitude toward refractive error surgery and other correction methods in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia : a cross sectional study

Abstract EN

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO), reported that the most frequent vision problem is refractive error.

It is experienced when the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina.

Refractive error proves to be a significant health issue as it is the most common cause of visual deterioration and the second leading cause of vision-loss internationally.

There are many treatment modalities with public different preferences.

Aim: to assess the awareness and attitude of the population with refractive error toward refractive correction methods particularly surgical procedures in Aseer region, Southern of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study targeting general population who lives in Asser region with refractive error.

Data were collected using pre-structured electronic questionnaire.

The questionnaire was used as a digital survey and distributed to all participants in a private and anonymous manner.

Question was designed to elicit information in concise and objective manner.

In addition, logics were used in the question so the subsequent answer would base on prior response.

Final questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms.

Results: A total of 402 participants with refractive errors completed the study questionnaire.

Participants’ ages ranged from 16 to 70 years with mean age of 30.1 ± 12.9 years old.

The most reported refractive error type was myopia (61.9%) followed by astigmatism (23.6%), and hyperopia (14.4%).

The most reported refractive error corrective method was spectacles (72.4%), followed by refractive surgery (16.2%), spectacles with lenses (9.2%), and only lenses (2.2%).

Exact of 239 (59.5%) of the study participants were aware of the surgical procedure for refractive error correction while a total of 118 (29.4%) of the study participants expect refractive surgeries to be dangerous.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the current study revealed that myopia was the most reported refractive error and spectacles was the most used corrective method followed by surgery.

Cosmetic issue with complications (eye infections) were the main factors behind refusing non-surgical modalities.

Also, participants showed considerable awareness regarding surgical procedure and the attitude towards surgical approaches was not bad where vast majority think it is not dangerous.