PREVALENCE AND PATTERN DISTRIBUTION OF PTERYGIUM AMONG COMMERCIAL BUS DRIVERS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

A pterygium is a wing shaped hyperplastic and fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva encroaching onto the cornea. Cell apoptosis and cell proliferation processes are strongly associated with the development and progression of pterygium. Esthetic concerns, irregular astigmatism, decreased vision and blindness are important issues associated with this condition if left untreated. Commercial motorcyclists in Benin City, Nigeria, have been found to have a high prevalence of pterygium. There has been a dearth of information about pterygium prevalence among commercial bus drivers in Benin Metropolis. This research paper seeks to highlight the prevalence, severity and pattern distribution of pterygium among this group. A total of one hundred and twenty two (122) commercial bus drivers with one to five years driving experience in Benin Metropolis was included in the study. A questionnaire which was divided into two parts A and B was administered to the subjects. Visual acuity was measured using the Snellen's literate and Tumbling letter "E' chart under standard testing conditions in order to determine the level of vision and for legal purposes. Penlight was used for external examination to determine the position and extent of pterygium. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer software version 22.0 was used to tabulate the various variables for association and meaningful interpretations’. Out of the one hundred and twenty-two (122) subjects that participated in the study, 92% were males while 8% were females. About 46% had pterygium in either or both eyes with 89% occurring unilaterally with grade 1 occuring mostly (71%) followed by Grade 2 (23%). Age and Gender had significant effects with males affected more and occurring mostly in those between 51-65 years. There was however no significant relationship between duration of working hours and severity of pterygium. Pterygium prevention and education efforts should be targeted toward persons in occupations or recreations in sunny environments. The prevalence of pterygium among commercial bus drivers in Benin Metropolis was high in our study population with a peak age incidence at 51-65 years of age, grade 1 was more common and predominantly nasal in laterality. Keywords: Pterygium, Penlight, Snellen Acuity Chart, Questionnaire.