Purpose: This study evaluated the prevalence of steroid use and public awareness of its ocular complications, including cataracts and glaucoma, in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia’s Hail region from September 2024 to November 2024, targeting eligible and accessible residents aged 18 years or older. Data was collected using a pre-structured online questionnaire developed by the researchers. The final version was independently reviewed and distributed online to eligible applicants. The collected data included socio-demographic information, medical history, personal habits, and knowledge of potential associations between steroid use and eye diseases. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 based on descriptive statistics and relations using the Pearson X² test and exact probability test. Results: The study surveyed young adults aged 18 years or more, with 51.8% being male. Most participants (74.5%) had never used steroids. Eye drops were the most common, followed by topical creams. 30.8% of participants had good knowledge about long-term steroid use with cataract development, while 21% had a good knowledge level for steroid use and glaucoma development. In total, 24.7% had good knowledge about eye diseases. Conclusion: A study in Hail, Saudi Arabia reveals a significant lack of public knowledge about the long-term use of steroids and associated ocular risks, particularly cataracts and glaucoma. Despite never using steroids, those who have used them often prefer short-term treatments. The study recommends improved patient education, health interventions, and regulation of over-the-counter steroids usage, especially for younger populations and those without healthcare backgrounds.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of iStent versus Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) as an adjunct to cataract surgery by Phacoemulsification for treating glaucoma patients in a tertiary eye center. Methods: Retrospective study of 67 eyes of 61 patients with glaucoma and cataract who underwent either phaco-ECP or phaco-iStent. Primary efficacy endpoint is the Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, while reduction of glaucoma medications is the secondary outcome. In addition to IOP and number of glaucoma medications; visual acuity, degree of disc cupping, safety profiles were all assessed at different intervals up to 12 months. Results: A total of 40 eyes underwent phaco-ECP, and 27 eyes underwent phaco-iStent. Both groups were associated with a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications; however phaco-iStent group achieved slightly lower IOP levels than the phaco-ECP group. Furthermore, iStent inject had better control of IOP at the last follow-up compared to first-generation stents. Moreover; 2 or more stents significantly reduced IOP than single stent ( p = 0.009 vs. p = 0.618, respectively). Phaco-iStent achieved a better reduction in the number of glaucoma medications for primary open-angle glaucoma ( p = 0.007) compared to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients ( p = 0.084). Complications were seen in 12 eyes (18%), of which five eyes in phaco-ECP (7.4%) and 7 eyes in phaco-iStent (10.4%), majority were mild and treated conservatively. Conclusions: Both groups had equal efficacy in reducing the IOP. However, phaco-iStent seems superior in reducing the number of glaucoma medications after 1 year of follow-up compared to phaco-ECP, particularly when 2 or more stents are used. Both groups showed an overall good safety profile.

Medication adherence and access to care are critical for managing glaucoma and preventing visual impairment. This study investigates factors influencing adherence and access among glaucoma patients in Hail, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 116 adults diagnosed with glaucoma. Participants were recruited using an online questionnaire developed following an extensive literature review and expert consultations. The questionnaire collected data on bio-demographic characteristics, clinical factors, medication adherence, cognitive health, and barriers to care. The majority of participants were aged 51–70 years (37.9%) and female (54.3%). Nearly half had below secondary education (44%), and 66.4% were unemployed. Most participants (75%) were prescribed multiple eye drops, and 72.4% reported always adhering to their medication regimen. Common barriers to adherence included side effects (29.3%) and forgetfulness (29.3%). Factors associated with higher adherence included older age, male gender, multiple medication prescriptions, and recent doctor visits ( p < .05). Medication adherence among glaucoma patients in Hail is influenced by demographic, clinical, and cognitive factors, as well as barriers to accessing care. Interventions targeting identified challenges, such as improving patient education, addressing side effects, and enhancing access to medical services, could promote better adherence and outcomes.

Chemical eye injuries are a significant cause of preventable vision loss, yet public awareness regarding the proper response and treatment is limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of chemical eye injuries among residents of Hail, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors influencing their understanding. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey distributed to 432 participants in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The survey collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of chemical eye injuries, and factors influencing knowledge, including age, gender, education, occupation, and personal experience with eye injuries. The study found that 71.1% of participants had poor knowledge of chemical eye injuries. Younger individuals (18–30 years), those with higher education, students, health care workers, and those with a personal or indirect history of chemical eye injuries demonstrated better knowledge. Participants were generally aware of the severity of chemical eye injuries and the need for immediate action, but many were unaware of the appropriate treatment steps. The results indicate a need for improved public education on chemical eye injury prevention and treatment. Targeted interventions should focus on older individuals, those with lower educational levels, and those outside of health care or educational settings.