What is a pterygium?
A pterygium, meaning “wing of tissue,” is a growth that extends from the white part of the eye onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It often appears in a triangular shape.
It typically develops on the side of the eye closest to the nose, though in rare cases (less than one percent) it can appear on the side near the ear. Sometimes, a pterygium can develop in both of the eyes, and in extremely rare cases two pterygia can occur on each eye.
In its early stages, a pterygium might not cause any symptoms, apart from its visible appearance. However, as it grows, it can cause irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, and sometimes dryness in the eye. In less likely cases, it may distort the shape of the cornea, leading to astigmatism or obstructing vision if it crosses into the line of sight.
Pterygium typically appears in patients over the age of 20 or 30, although it has occasionally been observed in teenagers as well. Those who are exposed to excessive sunlight within their first 10 years of life may have a higher chance of developing the condition.
How is a pterygium treated?
Treatment for a pterygium depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms it is causing.
In some cases, observation alone may be sufficient, especially if the pterygium is small and not causing significant discomfort or vision concerns. For mild cases, over-the-counter eye drops can be enough to help reduce symptoms like irritation and redness. However, treatment like eye drops is generally not recommended for long periods of time, as it may cause further issues.
If the pterygium becomes large, causes vision issues, or is causing symptoms that are highly difficult to manage, surgical removal may be necessary. Some patients can also elect surgical removal for cosmetic purposes.
To surgically remove a pterygium, the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. method can be performed. The method has been shown to significantly decrease the chance of reoccurrence after surgery, and can achieve an effective cosmetic result. It involves careful steps to remove the pterygium, before performing a transplant of conjunctival tissue to cover the area.
The surgery requires the skill level of an experienced and qualified professional and takes up to an hour to perform.
You can learn more about the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. method on our main surgery page.
What does a pterygium look like?
A pterygium looks like a triangular-shaped growth of tissue that starts on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and may extend onto the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye.
It typically has a pinkish or reddish appearance, due to blood vessels running through it, and may either be slightly raised or flat.
How big does a pterygium grow?
A pterygium often grows for a certain period of time, extending a few millimetres or more onto the cornea, before becoming stable. However, it can sometimes continue to grow, possibly extending across the front of the eye. We generally cannot predict how much further a pterygium might grow, or over what time frame.
When it is at a size that is causing discomfort or has grown far enough across the eye to interfere with vision, patients are often advised to seek treatment.
Is a pterygium a cancer?
A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of tissue. While it can cause discomfort or vision issues if it grows, it is not malignant and does not pose the same risks as cancer.
Patients typically seek treatment for a pterygium mainly due to discomfort, vision impairment, or cosmetic concerns. As the growth develops, it can cause symptoms such as irritation, redness, and a sensation of grittiness in the eye.
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