Prevalence of Pterygium Among Fishing Communities in Ijaw Communities, Bayelsa State

Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth on the conjunctiva associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wind, and dust, making fishing communities particularly vulnerable to this condition. This study investigates the prevalence of pterygium and associated risk factors among adults in fishing communities in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey will be conducted among 350 adult fishermen and women from four waterside communities in the Yenagoa and Ogbia local government areas. Ocular examinations will be conducted using a slit lamp and portable biomicroscope to confirm pterygium diagnosis and grade severity using the Johnston classification. Structured questionnaires will document UV exposure time, use of protective eyewear, occupational history, and environmental factors. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The study expects to find a high prevalence of pterygium, with significant correlations with outdoor work duration and absence of UV-blocking eyewear. Findings will be submitted to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health and fishing cooperative associations to support targeted UV protection campaigns and subsidized eye care provision for fishing communities. This research provides a locally grounded epidemiological study on UV-related ocular conditions in the South South geopolitical zone and advances occupational eye health evidence for Nigeria's coastal and riverine populations. Keywords: pterygium, fishing communities, UV exposure, Bayelsa State, ocular surface