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Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of preventable blindness. Sufficient knowledge about the disease can prevent sight threatening complications. Aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and its influence on attitude and practice in diabetic retinopathy among patients attending a primary health centre.Methods: A knowledge attitude practice questionnaire was prepared and pretested in a sample group of representative population. The response was analyzed as to whether the questions were understood or not. Social workers were trained in administering questionnaire. Diabetic patients were given questionnaires at primary health centre and filled in the presence of social workers.Results: Out of 324 patients 60.8% had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy compared to 39.19% who had knowledge (p <0.001). Knowledge was more in age <40 years (82.60%) and least in 51-60 years (29.34%) (p<0.001) and more among females (38.59%) than males (61.4%). Knowledge was significantly higher among upper socioeconomic group (77.8%). About 83.46% in knowledge group had right attitude which was significantly higher than non knowledge group (32.48%) (p<0.001).  42.51% in knowledge group had practice of visiting ophthalmologist for eye check-up which was significantly higher than non knowledge group (13.19%) (p<0.001).Conclusions: The attitude and practice of diabetic retinopathy was statistically significant in knowledge group compared to those who had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Improving knowledge about diabetic retinopathy through awareness campaigns can increase attitude and practice. Early detection can help in preventing sight threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Extensive use of computers for both professional and personal purpose has led to an increase in computer related health problems. Aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness regarding symptoms and the related factors in computer vision syndrome (CVS) among a group of information technology (IT) professionals.Methods: This study was conducted among 300 IT employees. After obtaining informed consent, structured questionnaire was given and data collected and analyzed.Results: Out of 300 respondents, 194 (64.7%) were males and 106 (35.3%) females. Mean age was 30.5 years.48.3% had more than eight years of computer usage and 77.3% used computers on an average of 8-12 hours per day. About 201 (67%) of the participants had at least one ocular symptom, most common was dryness (96%). 94.7% reported eyestrain and 86.3% reported redness and itching. Dryness and eyestrain were more in males (p<0.05). Dryness, eyestrain and redness were more in those who used computers for more than eight years duration and for 8-12 hours/day (p<0.05). 253 (84.3%) were aware about this syndrome, the main source being internet. The main relief measure adopted was to take a break in between the work hours. Only 51.3% consulted a doctor for their symptoms.  Conclusions: In our study though 84.3% of IT professionals were aware of CVS and 67% had at least one ocular symptom, only 51.3% took professional advice for their problems. There is a definite need for awareness about corrective measures and treatment methods to be adopted for CVS among IT professionals.

Purpose: Corneal diseases constitute a signicant cause of visual impairment. There is considerable backlog for corneal transplantation due to lack of awareness. Aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding eye donation among Medical, Nursing and Allied health sciences students of a medical college in Kerala. A cross-sectional descriptive Methods: study was conducted among all rst year Medical, Nursing and Allied health sciences students of a medical college in Kerala. A standard predesigned questionnaire was given after obtaining informed consent, to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding eye donation. The data was analysed using statistical package SPSS version 21.0 IBM corp. Results: Out of the 285 rst year students , 268 responded (94.03%) and majority were females (73.5%). Participants were well aware of eye donation (98.9%). Media was the major source of information for their knowledge (79.5%). Although 94.3% of the students considered eye donation as a service to mankind, only 69.8% were willing to pledge their eyes. Objection by family members (58.6%) was the major reason for not pledging their eyes. 92.1 % were willing to give awareness regarding eye donation to others. Awareness about eye donation was high and knowledge wa Conclusion: s fair. However, the attitude and practice showed mixed responses. Thus strategies and programmes have to be devised to increase the knowledge , attitude and practice regarding eye donation among students in medical colleges so that they can act as good motivators for the general public .