Prevalence and associated factors of pterygium among adults living in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of pterygium among adults living in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional design study was carried out in 390 participants in Gondar city from April 15 to May 7, 2016. Basic ophthalmic examination was performed using portable slit lamb, 3.5x magnifying loop with torch light and a pretested and structured questionnaire was completed. The raw data has been entered into EPI INFO 3.5.1 and analyzed by SPPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics was summarized descriptive data. Logistic regression was used to summarize the predictors of pterygium. The variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered as significant risks of pterygium.ResultThe prevalence of pterygium among study participants was 151(38.7% (95%CI; 33.8–43.8)). Among those who have pterygium, 149(98.7%) were developed pterygium on the nasal side and 15(9.9%) on temporal side of the either eye and 13(8.6%) have both. Age between 41-60(AOR = 2.20(95%CI: 1.22, 3.39)), age between 61-86(AOR = 7.97(95%CI: 2.74, 23.17)), male sex (AOR = 2.20(95%CI: 1.28, 3.82)), outdoor working area(AOR = 3.75(95%CI: 2.18, 6.46)), the use of traditional eye medication (AOR = 2.55 (95%CI: 1.04, 5.90)) and family history of pterygium (AOR = 6.68(95% CI: 2.53, 17.60)) were positively associated with pterygium whereas use of sunglass/hat (AOR = 0.40(95%CI:0.20, 0.78)) was negatively associated.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of pterygium in Gondar city northwest Ethiopia. Old age, male sex, outdoor working area, utilization of traditional eye medication and family history of pterygium were statistically significant predictors of pterygium. The use of sunglass/hat was protective against pterygium.

Adverse effect of UV radiation on eyes — a review

“…Occupational sun exposure for many hours a day and for many years is such an important risk factor, that it can be called occupational disease [16]. It is worth noticing that wearing a hat, glasses or sunglasses was negatively correlated with pterygium in outside workers [18,19].…”

<p>Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pterygium Among Adults Living in Kolla Diba Town, Northwest Ethiopia</p>

“…Pterygium is a benign, radially oriented, fleshy triangular/wing shaped abnormal fibro-vascular growth of the conjunctiva encroaching towards the central cornea in either one or both eyes. 1,2 The main clinical presentations are redness, irritation, foreign body sensation, decreased vision and ocular discomfort. 3,4 The severity of pterygium can be graded as grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 based on the location of pterygium head encroachment on the cornea.…”

“…[10][11][12][13] Globally, the prevalence of pterygium ranges from 0.07% to 53% worldwide and 8.0% to 38.7% in Africa. 2,3,6,12,14,15 In Ethiopia, the prevalence was 8.8% in Meskan district, Southern Ethiopia and 38.7% in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. 2,16 Untreated pterygium may lead to visual impairment, cosmetic problems, restriction of ocular motility, significant socioeconomic problems and reduced quality of life.…”

“…2,3,6,12,14,15 In Ethiopia, the prevalence was 8.8% in Meskan district, Southern Ethiopia and 38.7% in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. 2,16 Untreated pterygium may lead to visual impairment, cosmetic problems, restriction of ocular motility, significant socioeconomic problems and reduced quality of life. [17][18][19][20][21] Even though the consequence is higher, it is possible to minimize the chances of being afflicted with pterygium by wearing UV protective sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, caps and using an umbrella to reduce exposure to environmental irritants.…”

“…[17][18][19][20][21] Even though the consequence is higher, it is possible to minimize the chances of being afflicted with pterygium by wearing UV protective sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, caps and using an umbrella to reduce exposure to environmental irritants. 2,6,10,15,22,23 Pterygium is a common ophthalmic condition in "pterygium belt" regions, located between latitudes 40°N and 40°S of the equator. 7,15,24 The exposure to environmental factors is also higher in Africa, including Ethiopia but the evidence is scarce on the prevalence of pterygium in this region.…”