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What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a wedge-shaped fibrovascular growth of conjunctiva (the surface
tissue of the white of the eye) that extends onto the cornea. Pterygia are
benign lesions that can be found on either side of the cornea.
What causes a pterygium to form?
It is thought that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may contribute to the
formation of pterygia. Pterygia are more often seen in people from tropical
climates, but can be found in others as well.
What symptoms would I have from a pterygium?
Pterygia are often asymptomatic, and many do not require immediate treatment.
However, some pterygia become red and inflammed from time to time. Large or
thick pterygia may bother some people due to a persistent foreign body sensation
in the eye.
What is the treatment for a pterygium?
This depends largely on the size and extent of the pterygium, as well as its
tendency for recurrent inflammation. Evaluation by an ophthalmologist will help
determine the most optimal treatment in each case. If a pterygium is small but
becomes intermittently inflammed, your ophthalmologist may recommend a trial of
a mild steroid eye drop during acute inflammatory flares. If these drops are
recommended, you should remain under the care of your ophthalmologist to ensure
that you do not develop side effects from the use of these medications. In some
cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgical removal of the tissue.
When should a pterygium be surgically removed?
This will depend largely on the judgment of your physician. Removal will likely
be advised if the pterygium is growing far enough onto the cornea to threaten
your line of vision. Pterygia may also be removed if they cause a persistent
foreign body sensation in the eye, or if they are constantly inflammed and
irritating. In addition, some pterygia grow onto the cornea in such a way that
they can pull on the surface of the cornea and change the refractive properties
of the eye, causing astigmatism. Removing the pterygium may decrease the
astigmatism.
What is involved in the surgical removal of a pterygium?
The removal may take place in a procedure room or operating room setting. The
pterygium is carefully dissected away. In order to prevent regrowth of the
pterygium, your ophthalmologist may remove some of the surface tissue of the
same eye (conjunctiva) and suture it into the bed of the excised pterygium.
Alternatively, an antimetabolite such as mitomycin may be applied to the site.
Postoperatively, your ophthalmologist may recommend some steroid eye drops for
several weeks to decrease the inflammation and prevent regrowth of the pterygium.
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