Pterygium in Tibetans: a population‐based study in China

摘要: Purpose:  To describe the prevalence and to identify associated risk factors for pterygium in a Tibetan population at high altitude Zeku County, China. Methods:  A prospective population-based survey was conducted from October December 2006. stratified, clustered, randomized sampling procedure used select 2632 people aged 40 years older. Pterygium diagnosed graded clinically as grade 1 (transparent), 2 (intermediate) 3 (opaque). Risks with were evaluated logistic regression models. Results:  From total of eligible subjects, 2229 (84.69%) examined. There 323 pterygium, equivalent an overall 14.49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.03–15.95). independently increasing age persons 70–79 years, compared those 40–49 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.8), female gender (OR 1.6; 1.2–2.0), dry eye symptoms 1.3; 1.0–1.7), seldom use sunglasses/crystal spectacles 4.6; 1.9–11.3) or hats 3.6: 2.4–5.4), lower education level (<3 years) 1.1–2.4) low socioeconomic status 1.9; 1.5–2.4). Conclusions:  The is significantly high, particularly certain at-risk groups. primary causative are related ocular sun exposure, which easily preventable. Public health schemes address this serious issue urgently needed.