Professional paper

Sunlight and Incidence of Pterygium on Croatian Island Rab – Epidemiological Study

Božidar Vojniković
Sanja Njirić
Miran Čoklo
Ivan Toth
Josip Španjol
Marin Marinović

Abstract

The aim of this epidemiologic study, on small island Rab, in North Adriatic Sea, is to estimate correlation between
climatic factors, specially chronic exposure to strong visible and UV light, and appearance of pterygium and exfoliation
syndrome. In the first group of population which live in a village and who are agriculturists and fishermen (480 persons)
appearance of pterygium is in 23% (16% in males and 7% in females), but 0.0% in urban people (61 people). The appearance
of exfoliation syndrome was in the first group of agriculturists and fishermen population in 21%, of which 19% of
males and 2% of females, and in urban people 0.0%. The higher intraocular pressure in exfoliation syndrome was 92%.
All population in this examination were in the highest age (mean age is 65–80 years). Chronic exposure to sunlight
caused the high percentage appearance of pterygium and exfoliation syndrome.

Keywords

pterygium; exfoliation syndrome; exposure to sunlight

Hrčak ID:

27425

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/27425

Publication date:

16.1.2007.

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