Batı Türkiye'de pinguecula prevalansı ve ilişkili faktörler

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with pinguecula in the western part of Turkey. Materials and methods: The study included 1443 participants over the age of 20 between January 2018 and October 2019. The presence of pinguecula on slit lamp examination was recorded. A structured questionnaire which includes basic demographic data, occupational activity, educational level, alcohol consumption and smoking, dry eye questionnaire and systemic disorders such as diabetes or hypertension was applied. Results: The prevalence of pinguecula was 52.5%. Pinguecula prevalence was higher in males (58.4%) than females (46.8%). The prevalence of pinguecula significantly increased with age (p<0.001). Outdoor working, more than 2 hours of sun exposure and decreased tear break-up time (TBUT) values increase the prevalence rate of pinguecula. The pinguecula prevalence decreases as the level of education increases. Conclusion: The prevelance of pinguecula was detected in 52.5% of the population aged ≥20 years and this is the first study which investigates the prevalence of pinguecula in Turkey. Age, gender, duration of sun exposure, TBUT values and education level are found to be related to the pinguecula prevalence. We also found that pinguecula causes lower TBUT scores due to instability of tear film despite normal tear film secretion and volume.