Awareness of Ocular Manifestations, Complications, and Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIM: This study aims to assess the level of awareness about the effect of sickle cell disease (SCD) on the eye and vision and factors influencing SCD awareness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional and was carried out in 2018 among the general population in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It was conducted using an online, validated questionnaire, after obtaining consent from the participants. The outcome variable was 557. The level of awareness was correlated to demographic information. RESULTS: The study population was 557 Saudi adults. 84 were male and 473 female. Their mean age was 22 +/- 23 years. Majority of the participants (57.3%) were not aware that SCD could affect the eye and vision. There was no difference in the knowledge regarding ocular complications of SCD among different ages and sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study indicates the need for raising the knowledge regarding the disease, its ocular complications, screening methods, and management. Health educations campaigns would be an effective tool in increasing SCD awareness.