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Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1827-1832.

Objective  To describe the distribution and risk factors for pterygium in the predominantly black population of the Barbados Eye Study, which was based on a random sample of Barbadian-born citizens between the ages of 40 and 84 years.

Methods  The standardized protocol included ophthalmic and other measurements, automated perimetry, lens gradings, fundus photography, and a detailed interview. A 10% systematic sample of participants and those meeting specific criteria also received a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation.

Results  The Barbados Eye Study included 4709 participants, of whom 2978 were referred for an ophthalmologic evaluation and 2781 (93%) completed the examination. Cases of pterygium were found among 23.4% of 2617 black, 23.7% of 97 mixed (black and white), and 10.2% of 59 white participants examined. In addition to African ancestry, logistic regression analyses indicated a positive association between pterygium and age (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.02), fewer years of education (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.03), and an outdoor job location (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.52-2.29). Having a darker skin complexion (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.83), always using sunglasses outdoors (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.59), and the use of prescription glasses (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.93) were protective factors.

Conclusions  Approximately one quarter of the black participants examined had pterygia, a frequency that was 2.5 to 3 times higher than among whites in the Barbados Eye Study and elsewhere. Pterygium was almost twice as frequent among persons who worked outdoors but was only one fifth as likely among those who always used sunglasses outdoors. Educational interventions to modify these potential exposures may assist in preventing pterygium.

Rajiv Luthra, MD, MPH; Barbara B. Nemesure, PhD; Suh-Yuh Wu, MA; Shu Hong Xie, MS; M. Cristina Leske, MD, MPH; for the Barbados Eye Studies Group
From the Data Collection Center, Barbados Eye Study, Bridgetown, Barbados (Dr Luthra and the Barbados Eye Studies Group); Department of Preventive Medicine, University Medical Center at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY (Drs Nemesure and Leske and Mss Wu and Xie and the Barbados Eye Studies Group); and John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md (the Barbados Eye Studies Group). Dr Luthra is currently affiliated with the Health Science Center, Department of Ophthalmology, New Orleans, La.

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