Study of the prevalence and the effect of population variables on pterygium and pinguecula in the rural population of Sabzevar, Iran in 2002-2004

ABSTRACT

Pinguecula causes cosmetic effects and induces pterygium in some cases. Burning, irritation, lacrimation and foreign body sensation, occasional significant astigmatism and decreased vision are among the major symptoms of pterygium. As most findings in this regard are hospital-based, the present population- based study was conducted to study the prevalence of pterygium and pinguecula and the effect of population variables in the rural population of sabzevar, Iran. This descriptive epidemiologic study was conducted cross- sectionally and the population was rural residents in sabzevar, Iran. Cluster sampling was used for random sampling from 40 villages amounting to 2508 subjects. The study was conducted in 2002-2004. The subjects were interviewed and fully examined. Diagnoses were made clinically. The relationships between population variables and the two disorders were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using chi- square, t- test and logistic regression. Mean age of 1014 men [40.5%] and 1494 women [59.5%] participating in the study were 27.84 22.07 and 26.90 19.05 years respectively. Of 2508 subjects, 396 cases of pterygium and pinguecula were diagnosed with an overall prevalence of 15.8%; 187 men [18.44%] and 209 women [14%]. Its prevalence was higher in men than in women. Its distribution as asymmetric, i.e. OD OS ratio = 0.64. Also, its prevalence across different jobs rendered the following results for farmers, workers and housewives 39.5; 33.3 and 23 respectively. The overal prevalence of pterygium and pinguecula in rural population of Sabzevar is 15.7%, which may be attributed to population variables and risk factors, geographical location, climatic conditions, racial and familial factors