Pterygium
Pterygium
What Is Pterygium?
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of conjunctival tissue that extends from the white part of the eye (sclera) onto the cornea. It often appears as a triangular-shaped lesion and can cause discomfort, redness, and in some cases, affect vision.
Causes:
- Chronic UV exposure (common in sunny climates).
- Wind and dust irritation.
- Dry eye conditions.
- Genetic predisposition.
Symptoms:
- Redness and irritation.
- A feeling of dryness or a foreign body in the eye.
- Blurred vision (if it extends over the cornea).
- Cosmetic concerns due to its appearance.
Treatment Options:
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Medical Treatment:
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments for dryness.
- Anti-inflammatory drops to reduce redness and swelling.
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Surgical Treatment:
- Recommended if the pterygium grows over the cornea, affects vision, or causes significant discomfort.
- Surgery involves removing the pterygium and covering the area with:
- Conjunctival autograft: Transplanting healthy tissue from the same eye.
- Amniotic membrane transplantation: A bioengineered membrane used for healing.
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Preventive Measures Post-Surgery:
- UV protection: Use sunglasses with high UV protection to prevent recurrence.
- Avoid irritants: Protect eyes from wind and dust.
Pterygium Surgery:
- Minimally invasive with high success rates.
- Typically performed with local anesthesia.
- Patients recover fully within a few weeks.
- Recurrence is possible, but using advanced surgical techniques like conjunctival autograft reduces this risk.
Importance of Follow-Up:
- Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the pterygium does not grow back.
- Continued use of lubricants and UV protection helps prevent recurrence.