Epidemiology

Prevalence rates vary from <1% to 30% or more, depending on geographic location of the study population, with higher rates occurring in areas with high ultraviolet (UV) light intensity.[1]​​​​​​​[2][3]​​​​[4]​ The overall global prevalence of pterygium is around 12%.[3] Prevalence increases with age.[3][4][5]​​ Some studies report equal occurrence in men and women, while others report a slight predominance in men.[3][4][5]​ It is possible these different results are due to populations where there are sex differences in lifestyle/outdoor work, and therefore exposure to UV light, rather than sex itself being a risk factor for pterygium.[4]

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