Frequência de ocorrência das afecções dos anexos oculares e do olho externo

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 Sao 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.