Abstract: Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pterygium patients over 50 years old in Hefei area and analyze the related risk factors affecting its incidence. Methods Using case-control study method, the clinical data of 116 elderly patients with pterygium treated by surgery in Anhui Second People's Hospital from October 2017 to October 2019 were retrospectively investigated as observation group, and 116 non-pterygium patients treated by surgery in the same period were selected as control group. The distribution characteristics of pterygium in the elderly population in this area and the related factors affecting its incidence were analyzed. Results Total 116 cases(135 eyes) of pterygium met the investigation conditions. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the rural population(OR=1.260, 95% CI:1.360-2.877, P<0.001), dust exposure history(OR=3.895, 95% CI:2.850-5.180, P<0.001), long outdoor activity time(OR=1.456, 95% CI:1.010-2.556, P=0.016), old age(OR=5.055, 95% CI:1.585-15.360, P=0.006), whether wearing glasses(OR=0.305, 95% CI:0.136-1.650, P=0.004) were closely related to pterygium. Conclusion Rural population, old age, long time of outdoor activities and long history of dust exposure are the independent risk factors of pterygium, while wearing glasses is the protective factor. It is possible to reduce the incidence of pterygium through proper health education to guide the elderly to carry out correct outdoor activities.