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In Singapore, pterygium most prevalent among Malays
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The prevalence of pterygium varied widely among three Asian ethnic groups in Singapore, according to a population-based study.
“These data may allow physicians to counsel patients about potential modifiable risk factors,” the study authors said.
The analysis included data from 8,906 participants from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease Study, which comprised three population-based studies: the Singapore Malay Eye Study, Singapore Indian Eye Study and Singapore Chinese Eye Study.
All study participants underwent standard systemic and ocular examinations. Slit lamp examinations were used to detect evidence of pterygium. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic data and medical histories.
The researchers used regression and principle component analyses to gauge relationships between pterygium occurrence, race and various risk factors. Subjects had a mean age of 58.4 years.
The primary outcome measures were presence of pterygium in either eye, bilateral pterygium and presence of severe pterygium.
The researchers found that the overall prevalence of pterygium in either eye was 10.1%; severe pterygium occurred in 1.6% of eyes.
The prevalence of pterygium in either eye was 15.5% among Malays, 7% in Chinese and 7% in Indians. The higher prevalence for Malays was statistically significant (P < .001).
Older age, male gender, Malay race and lower education level were strong risk factors for pterygium in either eye (all P < .001). Serum cholesterol, smoking and blood pressure were also associated with pterygium in either eye.
Race correlated significantly with presence of pterygium in either eye (41%, P < .001) or bilateral pterygium (33%, P < .001).
Data showed a significant correlation between severe pterygium and outdoor occupation (P = .02); however, race was not a major contributor in this sub-analysis.
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