The prevalence of pterygium in Ankara: a hospital-based study

Aim: The prevalence of pterygium in a hospital-based population was analyzed in Ankara, in central Turkey. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, and consecutive case study. The medical records of 6470 consecutive patients aged 40 and above who attended the general ophthalmology clinic during a 12-month period from May 2008 to May 2009 were evaluated for the presence of pterygium. Results: The overall prevalence of pterygium was found to be 3.0 % (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9 to 3.8). It was 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9 to 4.5) and 2.8% (95% CI: 1.4 to 4.5) in men and women, respectively (P 0.05). A significant increase was noticed in the prevalence of pterygium in both sexes over the ages of 60 years (P 0.05). Conclusion: The overall prevalence rate of pterygium in Ankara is low when compared with results reported from other areas of the world.