What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a triangular shaped growth that covers the white part of the eye. It typically presents near the inner corner of the eye and can encroach onto the cornea towards the pupil.
It is composed of conjunctival tissue and can affect one or both eyes. The main cause of a pterygium is exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Symptoms
The appearance is the most obvious sign of a pterygium.
• Irritation, redness, tearing and discomfort are typical symptoms. A fairly large pterygium may cause persistent burning and discomfort, as if grit were in the eye.
• Blurred or distorted vision is another symptom. If left untreated it may grow and cover the pupil.
Diagnosis
A simple eye examination is required to diagnose this condition. On the day of your appointment your vision will be tested using an eye chart and anaesthetic eye drops will help measure the pressure in your eyes. The affected area will be assessed using a microscope. Finally , dilating drops will also be used to examine the back surface of the eye . This includes the retina, blood vessels , optic nerve and macula.
Treatment
In the early stages, as a non-surgical approach , your eye doctor may recommend eye drops or ointment to relieve irritation, redness, tearing and discomfort. This will not resolve the problem of the Pterygium but provide symptomatic relief.
Pterygiums can also be treated surgically. You can discuss this with your eye doctor at your consultation. Large pterygiums usually require a graft after the pterygium is removed. Stitches are dissolvable and can take up to 4 weeks to disappear. Sedation is administered by our anesthetist into a small vein on the back of the hand for your comfort.
Outcomes
Pterygium surgery is fairly successful. There is a small risk of re growth amongst younger patients. While your eye doctor will use the current best practice to prevent re-growth, the risk of recurrence is not predictable.