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. Pterygium is 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 foreign 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.
University Of Queensland
Lawrence Hirst is in Brisbane, Australia. Hirst is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea, Pinguecula, and Episcleritis.
The Chinese University Of Hong Kong
Alvin Young is in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Young is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea, Corneal Transplant, and Nearsightedness.
Surgery Center - Medical Center
Ahmad Kheirkhah is an Ophthalmologist in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kheirkhah has been practicing medicine for over 26 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Pterygium. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Pterygium, Dry Eye Syndrome, Interstitial Keratitis, and Conjunctivitis. He is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Dr. Kheirkhah is currently accepting new patients.
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 pterygium should be seen by an ophthalmologist each year. This will enable the condition to be treated before it affects vision.
Call 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.
Published Date : December 14, 2020
Published By : Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, 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 October 29, 2020. Accessed February 4, 2021.
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. 2020. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002545. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33009095 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33009095/.
Shtein RM, Sugar A. Pterygium and conjunctival degenerations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.9.