Correlation between the presumed pterygium with dry eye and with systemic and ocular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the epidemiology of the pterygium and its correlation with dry eye symptoms and with the potential systemic and ocular predictors. METHODS: This study is a population-based, cross-sectional study in which random visits were made to the 600 households of 600 participants of age ≥40 years in Ribeirão Preto-SP (n=420) and Cassia dos Coqueiros-SP (n=180) in Brazil. The participants were subjected to a structured interview with a detailed questionnaire to collect information on demography and the potential risk factors. Next, random participants with pterygium (n=63) or not (n=110) were evaluated for the ocular surface changes. RESULTS: The frequency of pterygium in Ribeirão Preto was 21% (15.7% among women and 32.1% among men; p=0.0002). In Cássia dos Coqueiros, the corresponding frequency was 19.4% (17.3% among women and 25.5% among men; p=0.28). The mean age of the affected individuals was higher than that of the unaffected ones (65.6 ± 10.5 years vs. 61.2 ± 12.0 years, p=0.02). A positive correlation was noted between pterygium and any prior radiotherapy and chemotherapy (p<0.0001, for both). A higher score on corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining was asso ciated with pterygium (p=0.0003 and 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: We noted a high frequency of pterygium in two Brazilian adult populations, mainly among the men and elderly. Ocular surface damage and a previous history of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were found to be associated with pterygium.

Frequency of conjunctival epithelial dysplasia in patients with pterygium.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of ocular squamous surface neoplasia associated with pterygium in an ophthalmology reference center in Central Mexico. METHODS: We reviewed histopathological reports and slides of all patients who underwent pterygium surgery from 2014 to 2016 at the Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia in Queretaro (Mexico). RESULTS: We studied 177 biopsy samples; 66% were from women, and the median age was 52 years. We found ocular squamous surface neoplasias in 11.29% (n=20) of the samples. One biopsy sample revealed a poorly differentiated keratinizing and infiltrating carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ocular squamous surface neoplasia in our region appears to be high. Countrywide studies are necessary to determine the true prevalence of ocular squamous surface neoplasia in Mexico and to examine related risk factors.

Frequency of conjunctival epithelial dysplasia in patients with pterygium / Incidência de displasia do epitélio conjuntival em pacientes com diagnóstico de pterígio

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the frequency of ocular squamous surface neoplasia associated with pterygium in an ophthalmology reference center in Central Mexico. Methods: We reviewed histopathological reports and slides of all patients who underwent pterygium surgery from 2014 to 2016 at the Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia in Queretaro (Mexico). Results: We studied 177 biopsy samples; 66% were from women, and the median age was 52 years. We found ocular squamous surface neoplasias in 11.29% (n=20) of the samples. One biopsy sample revealed a poorly differentiated keratinizing and infiltrating carcinoma. Conclusions: The prevalence of ocular squamous surface neoplasia in our region appears to be high. Countrywide studies are necessary to determine the true prevalence of ocular squamous surface neoplasia in Mexico and to examine related risk factors.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular associada ao pterígio com apresentação clínica, em um centro de referência em Oftalmologia da região central do México. Métodos: Revisamos os laudos histopatológicos e as lâminas de biópsia de todos os pacientes que foram submetidos à cirurgia de pterígio de 2014 a 2016 no Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmologia, na cidade de Querétaro. Resultados: Estudamos 177 amostras de biópsia; 66% eram de pacientes do sexo feminino, sendo a mediana da idade de 52 anos. Encontramos neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular em 11,29% (n=20). Uma amostra de biópsia mostrou um carcinoma queratinizante infiltrativo pouco diferenciado. Conclusões: A prevalência da neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular nessa região parece ser maior do que a indicada por outras pesquisas. Mais estudos de âmbito nacional são necessários para determinar a verdadeira prevalência da neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular no México e examinar os fatores de risco relacionados.

Pterigión recidivante y sus alternativas terapéuticas / Recurrent pterygium and its therapeutic alternatives

RESUMEN El pterigión se trata de un crecimiento fibrovascular de morfología triangular que se extiende desde la conjuntiva hacia la córnea. Está clasificado dentro de las degeneraciones no involutivas o tumoraciones epiteliales benignas corneales y se presenta en el 10,2 por ciento de la población. El tratamiento quirúrgico es el más indicado, y tiene una tasa de recidiva independientemente de la técnica quirúrgica utilizada del 10,7 por ciento; esta tasa de recidiva se evidencia por la neovascularización y el tejido cicatrizal antes de los dos meses después de la cirugía. Lo anterior ha incentivado la investigación de nuevos tratamientos que disminuyan esta complicación, por lo que el objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica fue la búsqueda de alternativas terapéuticas para el pterigión recidivante. Se realizó una búsqueda automatizada sobre el tema, utilizando la plataforma Infomed, cuya información fue resumida para la elaboración del informe final. Concluimos que existen diferentes tratamientos adyuvantes para disminuir la tasa de recurrencia, y es necesario realizar estudios donde se determine el tiempo y la frecuencia en la aplicación de estos para obtener resultados más efectivos en su uso(AU)

ABSTRACT Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth of triangular shape that extends from the conjunctiva to the cornea. It has been classified as a noninvolutionary degeneration or benign corneal epithelial tumor which affects 10.2 percent of the population. The treatment most commonly indicated is surgery, which has a recurrence rate of 10.7 percent, irrespective of the surgical technique used. Recurrence takes the form of neovascularization and scar tissue within two months after surgery. This has fostered research into new treatments to reduce this complication. The objective of the present bibliographic review was precisely to search for therapeutic alternatives for recurrent pterygium. An automated search was conducted about the topic on the platform Infomed. Data were summarized to write the final report. We concluded that there are several adjuvant treatments to reduce recurrence, and it is necessary to carry out studies determining the time and frequency of their application to obtain more effective results(AU)

Pterygium in adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region: prevalence, visual status and refractive errors.

AIMS: To determine prevalence of pterygium, its role as main cause of unilateral and bilateral visual impairment and blindness and its impact on refractive errors from adults living in a high ultraviolet exposure area in the Brazilian Amazon Region. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting subjects ≥45 years of age from urban and rural areas of Parintins city. Eligible subjects were enumerated through a door-to-door household survey and invited for an eye exam including refraction. Pterygium was assessed considering location (nasal, temporal or both) and size (<3 mm or ≥3 mm reaching or not pupillary margin). RESULTS: A total of 2384 persons were enumerated and 2041 (85.6%) were examined. Prevalence of pterygium was 58.8% (95% CI 53.8% to 63.7%) and associated with male gender (OR=1.63; 95% CI 1.37 to 1.94; p=0.001), while higher education was a protective factor (OR=0.63; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.92; p=0.018). Older age and rural residence were associated with pterygium ≥3 mm reaching or not pupillary margin, while higher education was a protective factor for pterygium ≥3 mm reaching pupillary margin. Prevalence of pterygium as cause of visual impairment and blindness was 14.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Significantly higher hyperopic refractive errors were found in eyes with pterygium ≥3 mm reaching or not pupillary margin. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium was highly prevalent and the second cause of visual impairment and blindness after provision of refractive correction. Risk factors for pterygium were male gender, advanced age, lower education and rural residency. Strategies to provide pterygium early detection and proper management should be considered by healthcare authorities in this population.

Barriers between community screening for visual problems and treatments in a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile ophthalmic unit screenings and to investigate barriers between community care and resolution of the problem at a tertiary center. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated a convenience sample from 10 municipalities in São Paulo State, Brazil. Patients were assessed in the municipality by a mobile ophthalmic unit and underwent a complete ophthalmic consultation. Patients were referred as warranted to a tertiary hospital. RESULTS: The mobile ophthalmic unit screened 1,928 individuals and 714 (37%) were referred. The mean age of the referred patients was 57.12 (SD = 19.5) years with best corrected visual acuity of 0.37 (SD = 0.36) logMAR. Forty-seven (6.6%) patients were blind and 185 (26.5%) were visually impaired. Cataracts (44.7%) and pterygium (14.7%) accounted for most referrals. Of those referred, 67.1% presented to the tertiary center. The diagnosis by the mobile ophthalmic unit corresponded to the one by the tertiary center in 88.5% of the cases. There were a significantly higher number of blind and visually impaired persons among those who presented to the hospital. There was a significantly greater attendance among patients living in more distant municipalities from the reference center with a higher number of inhabitants and a greater number of ophthalmologists in the cities of origin (p < 0.05, all comparisons). Complete treatment was performed in 65.6% of patients, and loss to follow-up was the main cause of incomplete treatment in 50.7% of patients. A total of 313 cataract surgeries were performed, which reduced the number of blind patients from 20 to 2 and of visually impaired individuals from 87 to 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Only 37% of the patients assessed by a mobile ophthalmic unit required referral to a tertiary hospital. Among the referred patients, 67.1% presented to the hospital, and complete resolution after treatment was approximately 65.5%. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and a reduction in the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment postoperatively.

The geospatial relationship of pterygium and senile cataract with ambient solar ultraviolet in tropical Ecuador.

Tropical Ecuador presents a unique climate in which we study the relationship between the ambient levels of solar ultraviolet radiation and eye disease in the absence of a latitudinal gradient. The national distribution of surface ultraviolet, taking into account MODIS and OMI satellite observation of aerosol, ozone, surface albedo, local elevation and cloud fractions measured during 2011, was compared with the national pterygium (WHO ICD H11) and senile cataract (WHO ICD H25) incidence projected from the 2010 National Institute of Statistics and Census (Ecuador). Public Health Ministry projections for age categories 0 to 39, 40 to 59 and 60+ years were compared to surface ultraviolet irradiance data in 1040 parishes. Correlations drawn between modelled surface ultraviolet and eye disease incidence show a significant increase in both pterygium and senile cataract in the highest ambient exposure regions of the Pacific coast and western lowlands with incidence rates of 34.39 and 16.17 per 100 000 residents respectively. The lowest rates of incidence for pterygium (6.89 per 100 000) and senile cataract (2.90 per 100 000) were determined in high altitude sites and are attributed here to increased daily cloud fraction for parishes located in the Andean mountain range. The South American Andes experience the highest solar UV exposures on Earth and report frequent high incidence of keratinocyte cancer. Our results show the high Andes to be the location of the lowest eye disease incidence suggesting that both pterygium and senile cataract are the result of cumulative exposure to solar ultraviolet. These findings have clear implications for the agricultural workers and fishermen of the lowland districts of Ecuador, contrary to conventional understanding that greater risks are faced in locations of high altitude.

Barriers between community screening for visual problems and treatments in a tertiary center

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile ophthalmic unit screenings and to investigate barriers between community care and resolution of the problem at a tertiary center. METHODS This prospective study evaluated a convenience sample from 10 municipalities in São Paulo State, Brazil. Patients were assessed in the municipality by a mobile ophthalmic unit and underwent a complete ophthalmic consultation. Patients were referred as warranted to a tertiary hospital. RESULTS The mobile ophthalmic unit screened 1,928 individuals and 714 (37%) were referred. The mean age of the referred patients was 57.12 (SD = 19.5) years with best corrected visual acuity of 0.37 (SD = 0.36) logMAR. Forty-seven (6.6%) patients were blind and 185 (26.5%) were visually impaired. Cataracts (44.7%) and pterygium (14.7%) accounted for most referrals. Of those referred, 67.1% presented to the tertiary center. The diagnosis by the mobile ophthalmic unit corresponded to the one by the tertiary center in 88.5% of the cases. There were a significantly higher number of blind and visually impaired persons among those who presented to the hospital. There was a significantly greater attendance among patients living in more distant municipalities from the reference center with a higher number of inhabitants and a greater number of ophthalmologists in the cities of origin (p < 0.05, all comparisons). Complete treatment was performed in 65.6% of patients, and loss to follow-up was the main cause of incomplete treatment in 50.7% of patients. A total of 313 cataract surgeries were performed, which reduced the number of blind patients from 20 to 2 and of visually impaired individuals from 87 to 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only 37% of the patients assessed by a mobile ophthalmic unit required referral to a tertiary hospital. Among the referred patients, 67.1% presented to the hospital, and complete resolution after treatment was approximately 65.5%. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and a reduction in the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment postoperatively.

Frequência de ocorrência das afecções dos anexos oculares e do olho externo / Frequency of occurrence of affections of the adnexa and external eye

RESUMO Objetivo: Observar a frequência de ocorrência das afecções que acometem os anexos oculares e o olho externo, assim como descrever o perfil demográfico dos portadores, na região centro oeste do estado de São Paulo. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, populacional e aleatorizado, no qual foram avaliadas 11.000 pessoas da região centro-oeste do Estado de São Paulo, nos anos de 2004/2005, por meio de consultas oftalmológicas e utilizando uma unidade móvel. Foi realizado exame oftalmológico completo. Os dados foram transferidos para tabela Excel, utilizando-se para o presente estudo dados referentes aos anexos e doenças do olho externo. A frequência de ocorrência dos problemas detectados foi analisada estatisticamente. Resultados: Foram detectadas 1.581 (14,6%) afecções de anexos ou do olho externo, sendo as mais frequentes o pterígio (9,4%), o hordéolo (0,8%) e as alterações do posicionamento palpebral (1,7%) (ectrópio, ptose e triquíase). Trauma, ectrópio e pterígio foram estatisticamente mais frequentes na população masculina. Conclusão: Das afecções pesquisadas, a de maior ocorrência na população foi o pterígio, seguido das alterações inflamatórias e do posicionamento palpebral.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To observe the frequency of occurrence of affections involving the adnexa or the external eye, as well as to describe the demographic profile of patients. Methods: A prospective, population based, randomized study was done in the Midwest region of the state of São Paulo, in the years 2004/2005. Using a Mobile Ophthalmic Unit we evaluated 11,000 people. A comprehensive eye exam was performed. Data were transferred to excel table and for this study we used information relating to annexes and external eye diseases. The frequency of occurrence of the problems detected was statistically analyzed. Results: We identified 1,581(14.4%) disorders in the adnexa or in the external eye. The most common disorders were pterygium (9.4%), hordeolum (0.8%) and changes in eyelid position (1.7%) (ectropion, ptosis and trichiasis). Trauma, ectropion and pterygium were statistically more frequent in the male population. Conclusion: Of the surveyed disorders the most frequent in the population was pterygium, followed by inflammatory changes and alterations in the eyelid position.

Características clinicoepidemiológicas de timorenses con pterigión atendidos en el Hospital Nacional "Guido Valadares" / Clinical epidemiological characteristic of people from Timor with pterygium assisted in "Guido Valadares" National Hospital

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 70 pacientes con pterigión, atendidos en la consulta de Oftalmología del Hospital Nacional "Guido Valadares" de Dili, en Timor Oriental, desde agosto de 2014 hasta enero de 2015, con vistas a caracterizarles según algunas variables clinicoepidemiológicas de interés. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 31-45 años (35,7 %), el sexo masculino (55,7 %) y la localización nasal o interna de la entidad clínica (92,9 %). De igual modo, resultaron más frecuentes las radiaciones solares y el ambiente de polvo y viento como factores de riesgo (con 36,7 % en cada caso), los que evidenciaron una mayor exposición (73,4 % de los afectados) a agentes ambientales y, consecuentemente, una estrecha relación de estos con la aparición del pterigión.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 70 patients with pterygium, assisted in the Ophthalmology Service of "Guido Valadares" National Hospital in Dili, East Timor, was carried out from August, 2014 to January, 2015, aimed at characterizings them according to some clinical epidemiological variables of interest. In the case material the 31-45 age group (35.7 %), the male sex (55.7 %) and the nasal or internal localization of the clinical entity (92.9 %) prevailed. Likewise, the solar radiations and the powder and wind atmosphere were the most frequent as risk factors (with 36.7 % in each case), which evidenced a higher exposure (73.4 % of those affected) to environmental agents and, consequently, a close relationship of these with the emergence of the pterygium.

Pterygium: prevalence and severity in an Amazonian ophthalmic setting, Brazil / Pterígio: prevalência e gravidade em um cenário oftálmico na Amazônia, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: This is a cross sectional ophthalmic clinic-based study to estimate the prevalence and severity of pterygium in a selected population in the Amazon Basin, Brazil. METHODS: The study included 225 subjects above 20 years age from three different places of residence of Manaus city (group 1, n=89), river based communities (group 2, n= 116) and indigenous rainforest inhabitants (group 3, n=20). Pterygia was graded 1-4 by torch examination and gender, age and occupation determined. RESULTS: were assessed to have pterygia (grades 2-4) 117 people; 52% against 108 control subjects with bilateral disease in 43% of subjects. Prevalence of grades 2-4 increased from 36% in group 1 to 62.5 % in group 2 and 75% in group 3. Of these subjects the percentage with outdoor professions increased across the groups from 31.2% to 67.1 % and 70% respectively. Also subjects of group 2 who worked largely outdoors, showed increasing pterygia severity, from grades 2 at 57% (p=0.0002), grade 3 at 93.3% (p,0.0001) to grade 4 at 100% (p=0.0004 CONCLUSION: Amazonian communities have a high prevalence of pterygia, which correlates to greater outdoor occupation and sun exposure. This study agrees with previous worldwide reports and it is the first study to compare the prevalence of pterygium in rural and urban living in Amazonian in Brazil. This study highlights the public health significance and gross need for intervention studies.

OBJETIVO: Este é um estudo clínico oftálmico transversal para estimar a prevalência e gravidade de pterígios em uma população específica na bacia Amazônica, Brasil. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu 225 indivíduos acima de 20 anos de idade, oriundos de três diferentes residências na cidade de Manaus (grupo 1, n = 89), comunidades ribeirinhas (grupo 2, n = 116) e indígenas que habitam nas florestas (grupo 3, n = 20). Pterígios foram classificados de 1-4 pelo exame com tocha e determinando-se sexo, idade e ocupação. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticadas 117 pessoas com pterígio (graus 2-4); 52% contra 108 indivíduos com doença bilateral em 43% dos indivíduos. Prevalência de graus 2-4 aumentou de 36% no grupo 1 para 62,5% no grupo 2 e 75% no grupo 3. Dentre estes indivíduos, o percentual com profissões ao ar livre aumentou entre os grupos para 31,2%, 67,1% e 70%, respectivamente. Além disso, indivíduos do grupo 2 que trabalhavam em grande parte ao ar livre, mostrou aumento da gravidade do pterígio, com grau 2 a 57% (p=0.0002), grau 3 a 93.3% (p,0.0001) e grau 4 a 100% (p=0.0004). CONCLUSÃO: Comunidades amazônicas têm uma alta prevalência de pterígios, que se correlaciona com maior ocupação ao ar livre e exposição ao sol. Este estudo concorda com relatórios anteriores em todo o mundo e é o primeiro estudo a comparar a prevalência de pterígio nas zonas rural e urbana da Amazônia no Brasil. Este estudo destaca a importância da saúde pública e a necessidade de estudos de intervenção.

Characteristics and prevalence of pterygium in small communities along the Solimões and Japurá rivers of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest / Características e prevalência do pterígio em comunidades ribeirinhas dos Rios Solimões e Japurá localizados na Amazônia Brasileira

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of pterygium in small communities along the Solimões and Japurá rivers, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Design: cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was carried out on populations of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Data were collected by two separate ophthalmologists in three expeditions, covering 55 local communities. A total number of 1295 patients were examined, of which 659 were over 18 years old. The patients diagnosed with pterygium answered a questionnaire addressing gender, age and outdoor activity. Pterygium lesion sizes were graded as grade 1 (lesion covers until limbus), grade 2 (lesion covers cornea by 2 mm), grade 3 (lesion surrounds the pupil) and grade 4 (lesion crosses the pupil). RESULTS: Pterygium prevalence was 21.2 percent for the overall population and 41.1 percent in those over 18 years old. Patients between 40-50 years old were most affected by pterygium. Pterygium data distribution by gender showed that 57.8 percent were men. The majority of the patients diagnosed with pterygium was active outdoors (89.5 percent). Subjects affected in both eyes were 75.6 percent. Of the total population positive to pterygium the majority was grade 1 (44 percent) and 2 (48.7 percent). Most of the patients (85 percent) developed nasal pterygium. CONCLUSION: This study shows one of the highest prevalences of pterygium in the world, covering a Brazilian region never studied before.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e as características do pterígio em comunidades ribeirinhas dos rios Solimões e Japurá, estado do Amazonas, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, em comunidades ribeirinhas dos rios Solimões e Japurá. Os dados foram coletados por dois avaliadores em três expedições médico oftalmológicas, num período de 9 meses, que abrangeram 55 comunidades ribeirinhas, totalizando 1295 pacientes examinados, sendo 659 maiores de 18 anos. Os portadores de pterígio foram analisados através de um questionário abrangendo sexo, idade e atividade laborativa ao sol ou não. O tamanho da lesão foi quantificado em graus. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do pterígio na população geral foi de 21.2 por cento. A prevalência entre os maiores de 18 anos foi de 41.1 por cento. A faixa etária mais acometida foi a de 41 a 50 anos. Dos portadores, 42.2 por cento eram do sexo feminino e 57.8 por cento do sexo masculino. 89.5 por cento dos pacientes acometidos pela lesão trabalhavam ao ar livre. Dos portadores, 75.6 por cento apresentavam acometimento de ambos os olhos. Dos pacientes acometidos, 48.7 por cento possuíam pterígio grau 2, 44.0 por cento apresentavam a lesão de grau 1, 5.4 por cento de grau 3 e 1.8 por cento de grau 4. Dos olhos acometidos, 85.0 por cento apresentavam somente pterígio nasal, 2.9 por cento apresentavam somente pterígio temporal e 14.5 por cento apresentavam pterígio temporal e nasal. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo, nos rios Solimões e Japurá, revelou a existência de uma das maiores taxas de pterígio do mundo, em uma região que nunca havia sido avaliada.

[Prevalence of pterygium in Botucatu city - São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Prevalência de pterígio no município de Botucatu - Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of pterygium in a population-based sample at Botucatu City - São Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study with randomized clustered sampling of households was conducted in the urban area of the Botucatu City - São Paulo State, Brazil and 85.1% of the intended sample was evaluated. All participants were submitted to ophthalmologic examination and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of pterygium lesion in Botucatu City was 8.12% (7.0% < CI < 9.2%), affecting mainly males (10.4% males X 6.5% females - 8.5% < CI < 12.3% for males and 5.1% < CI < 7.8% for females) with 49.6 ± 14.9 years old in average; 32.18% of the pterygium carriers aged between 40 and 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pterygium at Botucatu is 8.12%, affecting most frequently 40-50 year-old males.

Prevalência de pterígio no município de Botucatu - Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Prevalence of pterygium in Botucatu city - São Paulo State, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de pterígio no município de Botucatu - São Paulo, Brasil, por meio de amostra populacional. MÉTODOS: No ano de 2004 foi feito estudo de prevalência de alterações oftalmológicas na cidade de Botucatu - SP, por amostragem domiciliar aleatória, tendo sido avaliados 85,1 por cento (2.554 indivíduos) da amostra pretendida. Todos os participantes do estudo foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, sendo os dados obtidos submetidos à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de pterígio na população estudada foi de 8,12 por cento (7,0 por cento < IC < 9,2 por cento), sendo mais frequente em homens (10,4 por cento homens X 6,5 por cento mulheres - 8,5 por cento < IC < 12,3 por cento em homens e 5,1 por cento < IC < 7,8 por cento em mulheres). A média de idade dos portadores de pterígio foi de 49,6 ± 14,9 anos, havendo 32,18 por cento indivíduos da amostra na faixa etária entre os 40 e 50 anos de idade. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência do pterígio na cidade de Botucatu é de 8,12 por cento, sendo a lesão mais prevalente em homens, entre 40 e 50 anos de idade.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of pterygium in a population-based sample at Botucatu City - São Paulo State, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study with randomized clustered sampling of households was conducted in the urban area of the Botucatu City -São Paulo State, Brazil and 85.1 percent of the intended sample was evaluated. All participants were submitted to ophthalmologic examination and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of pterygium lesion in Botucatu City was 8.12 percent (7.0 percent < CI < 9.2 percent), affecting mainly males (10.4 percent males X 6.5 percent females - 8.5 percent < CI < 12.3 percent for males and 5.1 percent < CI < 7.8 percent for females) with 49.6 ± 14.9 years old in average; 32.18 percent of the pterygium carriers aged between 40 and 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pterygium at Botucatu is 8.12 percent, affecting most frequently 40-50 year-old males.

Morbilidad oftalmológica en hogares de ancianos en la provincia Ciego de Ávila / Morbility ophthalmologist in homes of aged in Ciego de Ávila province

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con el objetivo de diagnosticar enfermedades oftalmológicas y precisar la conducta a seguir en pacientes mayores de 60 años, internos en cinco hogares de ancianos de la provincia Ciego de Ávila durante el periodo, enero-marzo del 2006. La muestra la constituyeron 229 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, a los cuales se les realizó interrogatorio y examen físico oftalmológico. Predominaron las edades entre 75–84 años para ambos sexos, el sexo masculino y el color de piel blanca. Las enfermedades oftalmológicas más frecuentemente diagnosticadas fueron la catarata y el pterigión. La gran mayoría de las enfermedades no habían sido diagnosticadas anteriormente.

It was carried out a study descriptive-observational with the objective of diagnosing illnesses ophthalmologist and specify the conduct to continue in old patients of 60 years, internal in five homes of old men of the Blind county of Avila during the period, January-March of the 2006. The show 229 patients it they constituted that they completed the approaches of inclusion, to which carried out them interrogation and exam physical ophthalmologist. Prevailing the ages between 75-84 years for both sexes, the masculine sex and the color of white skin. The illnesses ophthalmologist more frequently diagnosed they were the waterfall and the pterigión. The great majority of the illnesses had not been diagnosed previously.

Estudio comparativo del uso de mitomicina C en el pterigium recidivante / Comparative study of the use of mitomycin C in recurrent pterygium

El pterigium constituye un problema en la práctica oftalmológica por su alta prevalencia y elevada frecuencia de recidiva. El propósito de este estudio fue el de comparar la técnica quirúrgica de injerto autólogo de conjuntiva con células límbicas más mitomicina C, con la de injerto de membrana amniótica con mitomicina C, en pterigium recidivante, en cuanto a la tasa de recidiva, complicaciones posoperatorias inmediatas, y tiempo libre de recidiva (meses). Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado prospectivo con n= 57 pacientes portadores de pterigium recidivante. Se conformaron 2 grupos: grupo 1, injerto de conjuntiva antólogo con células límbicas más mitomicina C; y el grupo 2, injerto de membrana amniótica más mitomicina C. Se comparó el comportamiento de las técnicas empleadas a partir de sus resultados. El seguimiento fue ± de 1-6 meses. La agudeza visual mejoró en 60 por ciento de los casos. La recidiva fue de 2 por ciento para el grupo 1 y de 6 por ciento para el grupo 2. El método de injerto conjuntival con limbo resultó más efectivo para el tratamiento del pterigium recidivante. Él método de membrana amniótica constituye una alternativa para el tratamiento de casos en los cuales no sea viable la aplicación de de injerto antólogo.

Pterygium is a problem in ophthalmology practice because of its high prevalence and frequency of recurrence. The objectives of this study was to compare the surgical technique of autologous conjuctival graft with limbal cells plus mitomycin C with that of amniotic membrane graft treated with mitomycin C in recurrent pterygium in terms of recurrence rates, immediate postoperative complications and recurrence-free time (months). A prospective controlled clinical assay was carried out in 57 patients suffering recurrent pterygium. They were divided into two groups; the group 1 that had autologous conjuctival graft with limbal cells plus mitomycin C, and the group 2 with amminotic membrane graft plus mitomycin C. The used techniques were compared on the basis of their results. The follow-up period extended from one to six months. Visual acuity improved in 60 percent of cases. Recurrence occurred in 2 percent of cases in group 1 and 6 percent in group 2. The conjunctival graft with limbal cells method was more effective for the recurrent pterygium treatment. The amniotic membrane method constitutes an alternative therapy for cases in which autologous graft is not applicable.

Long-term results and prognostic factors of fractionated strontium-90 eye applicator for pterygium.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety, effectiveness, and prognostic factors of fractionated postoperative beta-irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1993 and 2005, 623 patients with 737 pterygium lesions were treated with a strontium-90 eye applicator after surgical excision. The median follow-up period was 60 months (range, 6.7-139.5). Of the 737 lesions, 644 were primary and 93 were recurrences after surgical removal alone. Fractionated radiotherapy (RT) to a total dose of 35 Gy in five to seven fractions was used. RESULTS: A total of 73 local pterygium recurrences (9.9%) were noted. Of the recurrent cases, 80% were noted within 3 years after treatment. The 5- and 10-year probability of local control was 90% and 88%, respectively. The multivariate analysis for all cases demonstrated that gender, age, total radiation dose, recurrent pterygia, and interval between surgery and RT affected the overall local control rate. Late toxicities that might have been associated with strontium-90 RT included scleromalacia (scleral thinning) in nine eyes, adhesion of the eyelids in eight, cataracts in six, and scleral ulcer in five eyes. CONCLUSION: Fractionated strontium-90 RT to a total dose of approximately 35 Gy in five to seven fractions results in a similar local control rate as higher doses in other series, with an acceptable complication rate.

[Characteristics of patients with pterygium in the Botucatu region]. / Características de portadores de pterígio na região de Botucatu.

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of patients with conjunctival pterygia in the Botucatu region (São Paulo State). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the gender, occupation, complaints and lesion characteristics (primary or recurrent lesion, size, involutive or pulpous) of patients with pterygium. The data were submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients were female and over 40 years old. The main complaint was the esthetic effect of the lesion. The majority of the lesions were primary (77.08%), grade 2 (69.6%) and pulpous (86.7%). Pterygium grade 4 was present in the 1.4% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Most patients were female, over 40 years old. Primary, grade 2 and pulpous lesion was the most frequently observed. Blindness caused by pterygium is still present in Brazil.

Características de portadores de pterígio na região de Botucatu / Characteristics of patients with pterygium in the Botucatu region

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características dos portadores de pterígio na região de Botucatu (SP). MÉTODOS: Portadores de pterígio foram avaliados quanto à idade, sexo, profissão, queixas e características da lesão (primário ou recidivado, tamanho, carnoso ou involutivo). Os dados foram submetidos à avaliação estatística. RESULTADOS: Cerca de metade dos portadores eram do sexo feminino, a maioria com idade superior a 40 anos, que procuraram o tratamento com queixa do efeito anti-estético da lesão. A maioria das lesões era primária (77,08 por cento), grau 2 (69,6 por cento) e do tipo carnoso (86,7 por cento). Pterígio grau 4 esteve presente em 1,4 por cento dos pacientes. CONCLUSAO: Observou-se maior freqüência de portadores de pterígio entre mulheres, acima dos 40 anos e portadoras de pterígio primário, grau 2 e carnoso. A cegueira por pterígio ainda está presente em nosso meio.

Exposição de culturas de fibroblastos de pterígios primários e recidivados à agentes antiproliferativos / Exposure of cultures of fibroblasts of primary and recurrents pterygia to antiproliferative agents

Objetivo: Avaliar a proliferação dos fibroblastos de pterígios primários, recidivados e da cápsula de Tenon normal, em cultura de células, após a exposição à mitomicina C e ao 5-fluorouracil. Material e métodos: estudo prospectivo, casualizado. Os fibroblastos da terceira passagem foram expostos à mitomicina C a 0,4 %, durante 3 minutos e ao 5 – fluorouracil a 25mg/ml, mantido no meio nutritivo. Após 3, 6, 12, e 18 dias da exposição, foram realizadas contagens celulares com hemocitômetro, em triplicata, com um controle não exposto às drogas para cada dia. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: A mitomicina C teve comportamento homogêneo, tanto sobre os fibroblastos da cápsula de tenon de pterígios primários, recidivados e da Tenon normal, inibindo a proliferação celular desde o primeiro dia de contagem. O 5 – fluorouracil, no grupo de pterígios primários e recidivados apresentou, inibição da proliferação celular somente após o sexto dia de avaliação, a partir de quando, ambas as drogas foram igualmente eficazes até o final do período experimental. No grupo da cápsula de Tenon normal, 0,5 – fluorouracil inibiu a proliferação desde o início. Os controles não expostos às drogas apresentaram número crescente de células ao longo do tempo. Conclusão: Ao final do período experimental, tanto o 5 – fluorouracil quanto a mitomicina C foram igualmente eficazes na inibição da proliferação dos fibroblastos de pterígios primários, recidivados e da cápsula de Tenon normal.