Knowledge, attitudes, and self care practices associated with age related eye disease in Australia

Abstract

Aim - To determine the level of correct knowledge about common eye disease and attitudes towards blindness prevention and treatment, and how these factors influence self care practices in a population based sample. Methods - A cluster random sample of the Victorian population was interviewed. The study population comprised residents aged 40 years of age or older living in five randomly selected Melbourne metropolitan suburbs and four randomly selected rural areas of Victoria. Questions were asked to ascertain each person's knowledge of common age related eye disease - that is, cataract, age related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. A subsample of the population was also asked questio..