Abstract:

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with pinguecula in the western part of Turkey.   Methods: The study included 1443 participants over the age of 20 between January 2018 and October 2019. The presence of pinguecula on slit lamp examination was recorded. A structured questionnaire which includes basic demographic data, occupational activity, educational level, alcohol consumption and smoking, dry eye questionnaire and systemic disorders such as diabetes or hypertension was applied.   Results: The prevalence of pinguecula was 52.5%.Pinguecula prevalence was higher in males (58.4%) than females (46.8%).The prevalence of pinguecula significantly increased with age (p<0.001). Outdoor working, more than 2 hours of sun exposure and decreased tear break-up time (TBUT) values increase the prevalence rate of pinguecula. The pinguecula prevalence decreases as the level of education increases.   Conclusion: The prevalence of pinguecula varies highly around the world according to the previous studies. This is the first study which investigates the prevalence of pinguecula in Turkey.Our prevalence rate falls in the mid range. Age, gender, duration of sun exposure, TBUT values and education level are found to be related to the pinguecula prevalence.