Study of awareness, perception about strabismus and social impact of strabismus in adults attending tertiary care centre

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Original Article

Author Details : Subramanya Kota*, Vinuta Mohan Kulkarni

Volume : 4, Issue : 3, Year : 2018

Article Page : 124-126

https://doi.org/10.18231/2581-5016.2018.0031

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Abstract

Aim: Strabismus is the common condition seen in children and adults in our society. Strabismus has variety of psychosocial impact that can affect the quality of life of the patients. Proper education and awareness regarding the condition can help to rule out the myths associated with strabismus and also building up the personality of the patients. This study was done to know the level of awareness, knowledge about the strabismus in our population and the social impact of strabismus in patients life.
Material and Methods: Cross sectional study conducted on 196 patients with strabismus attending outpatient department of Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, regional institute of ophthalmology were included in the study. After taking informed consent, face to face interview conducted asking questions from structured questionnaire prepared. Data collected and analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results: Out of 196 patients included in the patients, 128 were males and 68 females. About 9.6 % of patients, were unaware of the condition of strabismus, 56.3% were unaware that squint can cause visual disturbance, 63% were unaware of that strabismus can be treated, 37% of people felt like surgery is the only mode of treatment for strabismus. 60% of the study population expressed that they were rejected for being married due to strabismus because of cosmetic affect, 42.4% felt like squint can hinder the social leadership, 36 % had difficulty in getting job, 28% of the patients expressed being criticized by their friends that lowered their confidence, 75% of the patients felt that they look ugly because of strabismus.
Conclusion: Strabismus apart from causing ocular problems, is associated with many psycho-social impact on life of patients. There is lack of awareness regarding the strabismus in our population. Attitude and perception of society towards patients with strabismus will affect the overall confidence, personality of the patients and hence affect quality of life. Hence awareness about the condition, treatment availability is necessary to build up the overall personality of the patients with strabismus, to have better life.

Keywords: Awareness about strabismus, Social impact.

How to cite : Kota S , Kulkarni V M , Study of awareness, perception about strabismus and social impact of strabismus in adults attending tertiary care centre. IP Int J Ocul Oncol Oculoplasty 2018;4(3):124-126

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