Pterygium

What is Pterygium?

It is the raised triangular fleshy growth of the conjunctiva.

The conjunctiva is the translucent membrane covering the white

part of the eyes. Pterygium starts from the white part of the eye and

encroaches onto the cornea which is the transparent front part of the eyes.

It can be seen in one or both eyes.

What are the symptoms and signs of pterygium?

1) Fleshy wing-like growth on the white part of the eyes which might be encroaching on the black part as well.

2) Redness, watering, and burning sensation while going in outside like windy and sunny environments.

3) Foreign body sensation.

4) Blurring of vision if pterygium causes a significant change in cylinder power.

What are the risk factors for pterygium?

1) People working outdoors.

2) People working in a dry and dusty environment.

3) Idiopathic (no apparent cause).

When is the right time for surgery?

Pterygium is a slow-growing tissue that may grow throughout life or might stop growing at some point in life. If the pterygium is very small and just

touching the cornea then it can be observed but if it is causing a significant increase in cylinder value or is encroaching toward the center of the cornea

then it should be removed surgically, If neglected it can grow very large and may cover the cornea (transparent front part of eyes) which will cause a

decrease in vision.

How Pterygium is diagnosed?

1) The eye doctor will examine the patient in torchlight or slit lamp and will diagnose the disease.

2) Refraction and corneal topography might help in assessing whether it is causing any increase in cylinder value and treatment can be decided.

3) Artificial tears can be used to reduce the symptoms.

4) During surgery the fleshy tissue is removed and in that area grafting is done to reduce the chances of recurrence.

Treatment of Pterygium -

Surgical removal of the fleshy growth is a permanent treatment option. After removing the fleshy tissue grafting of tissue is done in that area. It can be

placed with the help of sutures or with the help of Fibrin glue. Fibrin glue is a recent and advanced way of securing the graft in place.

Post-pterygium excision surgery management -

1) An eye patch will be placed on the eyes which will be removed the next day.

2) There might be mild redness and watering in the immediate post-operative period.

3) Appropriate medications will be started.

4) The patient is asked not to rub their eyes or take a head bath for a week post-surgery.

5) The patient can return to normal activities after a few days post-surgery.

Prognosis of Pterygium -

Post-surgery prognosis is very good.