Objective: To investigate the current status of pterygium, the relationship between the disease and risk factors from external circumstances and personal factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021 on elderly people in three rural communes of Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province. Results: The rate of pterygium in this study was 33.7%, and the prevalence in women was higher than in men. The rates of achieving appropriate knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 25.4%, 87.5% and 29.2%, respectively. People who were regularly exposed to UV rays from the sun had a 2.3 times higher risk of developing pterygium than those with little exposure (OR = 2.3
95% CI 1.2 – 4.3). People with frequent exposure to bright light sources were 4.5 times more likely to have pterygium than those with little exposure (OR = 4.5
95% CI 1.7 -11.8). Conclusion: people, especially the elderly and women need to limit their exposure to risk factors from the outside environment that can cause pterygium by wearing sunglasses and safety glasses. Use artificial tears to clean your eyes regularly. Having periodic eye exams for early detection and timely treatment of pterygium was crucial.