Knowledge and awareness toward eye health and disease of children in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Introduction: Early childhood is critical for the development of the eyes and vision; any disruption at this time can result in serious visual impairment or even blindness.

Children's eye examinations and treatment are not only a child's right, but also a requirement for correctly monitoring and evaluating the eyes and visual structure.

The parents or guardians are responsible for making decisions about a child's eye care.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected by the purposely constructed questionnaire.

A questionnaire composed of the demographic items and items related to the awareness and knowledge about the Eye health.

A questionnaire was constructed after the series of discussions between the panel of experts this panel was composed of a subject specialist, researcher, language expert.

Cronbach alpha of the questionnaire was calculated.

Results: Out of 405 respondents, 12.8% were agreed that, after a chemical eye burn, it is recommended to wash the eye immediately with clean water, then taking the injured person to a hospital to continue treatment.

12.1% agreed that, Amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated from adulthood and onwards.

Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia, parents' knowledge and awareness of eye care for their children is deemed inadequate.

However, larger sample size studies are needed to confirm the current study's findings.