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Pterygium in aged population in Doumen County, China
Kaili Wu1, Mingguang He, Jingjing Xu
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China. kailiwu@yahoo.com
Yan Ke Xue Bao = Eye Science
|October 30, 2004
Summary
Pterygium, a common eye condition, affects over a third of older adults in rural China. This condition can significantly impair vision, particularly in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease.
- Its prevalence and impact on vision in specific populations require detailed study.
- Aging populations present unique public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pterygium in individuals aged 50 and above in Doumen County, China.
- To assess the influence of pterygium on visual acuity in this demographic.
- To understand the distribution and characteristics of pterygium in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey was conducted in Doumen County, southern China.
- Random sampling was used to select 27 sample units.
- Prevalence, severity, and impact on visual acuity were analyzed in 4,214 participants aged 50+.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of pterygium was 33.01% in individuals aged 50 years and older.
- Females (35.70%) had a higher prevalence than males (29.70%).
- Pterygium was associated with reduced visual acuity (<0.32) in 0.92% of affected eyes, primarily nasal-sided.
Conclusions:
- Pterygium is a highly prevalent external eye disease in the aged population of rural southern China.
- The condition contributes to visual impairment in this demographic.
- Public health strategies may be needed to address pterygium in aging rural populations.
