Using a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge of Age Related Macular Degeneration in a Clinical Practice Setting

Abstract

Abstract: : Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness for Americans over 55 years of age. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the media have emphasized the importance of this disease as the population is growing older. Purpose: We propose the use of a questionnaire (QN) to assess the level of knowledge of AMD in patients. Methods: Patients (PTS) were given a questionnaire of 10 questions in retina practices in New York City and Boston. The questions asked about the frequency of seeing an ophthalmologist (OPH) and a primary care doctor (PCP), concerns about eye sight, information about the eyes, definition (DF) of AMD, sunglasses and UV light, knowledge of treatment for AMD, warning signs, and family history of blindness. The patients were asked if they would take an Amsler Grid Screening test for AMD. Results: There were a total of 180 QN analyzed. 106 F, 74 M; Age (9-92, avg. 62.2 ± 18.5) PTS > 55 yrs = 133: 56 M, 77 F. PTS < 55 yrs = 47: 18 M, 29 F. Using student t-tests, we found that more PTS > 55 yrs saw an OPH q yr than those < 55 yrs (p < 0.0001). More PTS > 55 yrs saw a PCP q yr than those < 55 yrs (p < 0.0001). More PTS > 55 yrs knew the DF of AMD than those < 55 yrs (p < 0.009). More F than M had concerns about their eyesight (p < 0.011). More F than M knew that there was treatment for AMD (p < 0.035). Conclusion: Patients > 55 yrs had a greater knowledge of AMD than those < 55 yrs. Females had a greater knowledge and more concerns about AMD than males. This small study suggests that we, as ophthalmologists and eye care providers, need to educate more of our patients about AMD.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • aging • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: hea