Learn About Pterygium
A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that starts in the clear, thin tissue (conjunctiva) of the eye. This growth covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and extends onto the cornea. It is often slightly raised and contains visible blood vessels. The problem may occur on one or both eyes.
The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in people who have a lot of exposure to sunlight and wind, such as people who work outdoors.
Risk factors are exposure to sunny, dusty, sandy, or windblown areas. Farmers, fishermen, and people living near the equator are often affected. Pterygia are rare in children.
The main symptom of a pterygium is a painless area of raised white tissue that has blood vessels on the inner or outer edge of the cornea. Sometimes the pterygium has no symptoms. However, it may become inflamed and cause burning, irritation, or a feeling like there's something in the eye. Vision may be affected if the growth extends far enough onto the cornea.
In most cases, treatment involves only wearing sunglasses and using artificial tears. Using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist may help prevent a pterygium from becoming inflamed and getting bigger. Mild steroid eye drops can be used to calm inflammation if it occurs. Surgery can be used to remove the growth for cosmetic reasons or if it blocks vision.
Harvard Eye Associates
John Hovanesian is an Ophthalmologist in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Hovanesian is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. His top areas of expertise are Cataract, Pterygium, Astigmatism, Dry Eye Syndrome, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Hovanesian is currently accepting new patients.
UPMC Vision Institute
Vishal Jhanji is an Ophthalmologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jhanji is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Interstitial Keratitis, Keratoconus, Corneal Transplant, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Jhanji is currently accepting new patients.
Minas Coroneo practices in Randwick, Australia. Mr. Coroneo is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Nearsightedness, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Cataract Removal, and Vitrectomy.
Most pterygia cause no problems and do not need surgical treatment. If a pterygium affects the cornea, removing it can have good results.
Ongoing inflammation can cause a pterygium to grow farther onto the cornea. A pterygium can return after it is removed.
People with a pterygium should be seen by an ophthalmologist each year. This will enable the condition to be treated before it affects vision.
Contact your ophthalmologist if you have had a pterygium in the past and your symptoms return.
Taking steps to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light may help prevent this condition. This includes wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
Summary: The surgical treatment options for pterygium, an abnormal growth on the eye's frontal surface can be treated with several surgical techniques. The rates of pterygium coming back varies depending on the surgical technique employed and other factors related to the patient and surgery. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of incorporating a single amniotic membrane with st...
Summary: In pterygium excision procedures, the subconjunctival injection of xylocain is regarded as an uncomfortable and painful step in the procedure. While already being studied in other ophthalmic procedures such as glaucoma surgery (7), application of topical lidocaine gel is likely to minimize pain. The gel has a longer surface contact time due to its consistency, providing not only a longer anestheti...
Published Date: October 02, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Pinguecula and pterygium. www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium. Updated May 10, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024.
Coroneo MT, Tan JCK, Ip MH. Management of recurrent pterygium. In: Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, eds. Cornea. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 145.
Hirst L. Long-term results of P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM. Cornea. 2021;40(9):1141-1146. PMID: 33009095 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33009095/.
Shtein RM, Sugar A. Pterygium and conjunctival degenerations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.9.