Abstract

Background: Regular eye examinations facilitate the early detection and timely treatment of eye diseases, thereby reducing the risk of visual impairment and blindness. However, information on eye care practices among middle-aged and older adults in Vietnam remains limited. This study aimed to describe eye care practices and identify factors associated with regular eye examination among adults older than 40 years in Hue City.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,895 adults aged over 40 years in Hue City. Participants were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire to collect information on eye care practices, health-seeking behaviors, and factors related to routine eye examinations.

Results: Overall, 42.7% of participants had never undergone an eye examination, while only 30.1% had undergone an eye examination within the previous year. Only 2.5% reported having regular eye examinations, accounting for 4.3% of those who had ever undergone an eye examination. The most common barrier to regular eye examinations was the perception that their vision was still clear (31.8%). When experiencing eye problems, 59.9% sought care at a healthcare facility, while 39.7% self-medicated. Regular eye examination was significantly associated with educational level, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Eye care practices among adults older than 40 years in Hue City remain inadequate. Routine eye examinations are uncommon, and self-medication for eye problems is still widespread. Public health strategies promoting regular eye examinations and improving awareness of eye health, particularly among younger individuals, those with lower educational attainment, and those without chronic diseases, are warranted.