Public Knowledge and Attitudes towardCataract in the Saudi Arabian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide and remain highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia.
Although cataracts are treatable, public understanding of their causes, symptoms, and treatment is limited. Previous
regional studies conducted in the Kingdom have shown varying levels of knowledge, highlighting the importance
of a more comprehensive national assessment. This study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes toward cataracts
among the general population in Saudi Arabia to guide future health education strategies. Objectives: This study
aims to evaluate the level of cataract-related knowledge and attitudes among the Saudi Arabian population.
Methods: From July to December 2025, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using an online
questionnaire distributed through social media sites. The study included the adult Saudi population, with 380
participants selected based on sample size calculations. Data were imported into Microsoft Excel and analyzed
using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Results: The study population was predominantly
female (64.7%) and comprised mainly young adults aged 18–30 years (53.9%), with most having attained a
bachelor’s degree (59.7%). Only 3.4% of respondents reported a personal diagnosis of cataract, while 54.7%
had a family member or acquaintance with the disorder. Knowledge levels were classified as low in 77.9%,
moderate in 18.7%, and high in only 3.4% of participants. While most respondents associated cataracts with
lens opacity and visual impairment, a substantial proportion harbored misconceptions about the condition and
its risk factors. Diabetes (66.1%) and hypertension (51.3%) were identified as key risk factors, while the roles
of smoking, medication use, and obesity were less well recognized. Positive attitudes toward cataract care were
noted, with 79.2% expressing a proactive stance, though knowledge deficits remain prominent. Statistically
significant associations were found between knowledge level and sociodemographic factors, including age, gender,
residential area, employment, income, and family history of cataract. Conclusion: The findings underscore the
need for targeted educational interventions and public health campaigns, especially for younger, less-educated,
and male sectors of the population. Enhanced awareness is likely to promote early diagnosis, more effective
treatment uptake, and ultimately a reduction in preventable visual impairment.