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Pterygium in Tibetans: a population-based study in China
Peng Lu1, Xiaoming Chen, Ying Kang
1Ophthalmology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|January 5, 2008
Summary
Pterygium, a common eye condition, affects 14.49% of Tibetan adults at high altitudes. Key risk factors include age, gender, dry eyes, and reduced sun protection, highlighting the need for public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pterygium is a prevalent ocular condition.
- High-altitude environments may pose unique risks.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pterygium.
- To identify associated risk factors in a Tibetan population at high altitude.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population-based survey.
- Stratified, clustered, randomized sampling of 2632 Tibetan individuals aged 40+.
- Clinical diagnosis and grading of pterygium; logistic regression for risk factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Overall pterygium prevalence was 14.49% in 2229 examined subjects.
- Significant associations found with increasing age, female gender, dry eye symptoms, infrequent use of sunglasses/hats, lower education, and lower socioeconomic status.
- Odds ratios ranged from 1.3 to 4.6 for identified risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Pterygium prevalence is high in this high-altitude Tibetan population.
- Ocular sun exposure is a primary, preventable cause.
- Urgent public health strategies are needed to mitigate this issue.