What are the symptoms of a pterygium?
Often, a pterygium simply appears as a cosmetic blemish and does not cause symptoms, but it can sometimes cause discomfort at varying degrees. Typically, patients may notice irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, and dryness.
The sensation of irritation or grittiness in the affected eye can sometimes feel similar to the feeling of having a foreign object in the eye, leading to frequent blinking or rubbing of the eye in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort.
Redness in the eye is a common symptom, resulting from increased blood flow to the area, which can make the pterygium more noticeable. If tear production is affected, patients can notice dryness or even excessive tearing, due to an imbalance in tear film.
Some people may also experience sensitivity to light, which can cause discomfort in bright conditions, making outdoor activities challenging without sunglasses or another type of eye protection.
In some cases, if the pterygium grows large enough to block the line of sight, it can interfere with vision and make it hard to see clearly.
For a smaller number of patients, a pterygium may cause more significant vision issues. As the growth advances, it can push against the cornea, leading to distortion.
In very rare cases, a pterygium can limit how the eye moves, particularly in the direction toward the ear. This restriction can occur because the pterygium may become attached to nearby tissue, leading to stiffness and reducing the eye’s range of motion.
These changes can affect daily activities and interactions since the inability to move the eye freely can make it challenging to engage fully in visual tasks – however, they are very rare.
What can aggravate the symptoms of a pterygium?
A pterygium can sometimes become red and inflamed when exposed to irritating factors in the environment.
For example, smoke can further irritate the eyes, increasing blood flow to the area and making the pterygium more noticeable. Dry air from air conditioning can also worsen the condition, causing discomfort and inflammation. Lack of sleep can also play a role – when we’re tired, our eyes might not defend themselves as well, making them more vulnerable to irritation. Sunlight exposure is another significant factor, as excessive exposure to sunlight can promote the growth of the pterygium and lead to inflammation, causing redness and discomfort.
Sometimes, those who may extended periods of time in front of screens may find that their symptoms become more noticeable during these times.
How often do symptoms show?
The frequency and occurrence of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Many people may not experience any symptoms at all, especially if the pterygium remains small and does not progress. For those who do notice symptoms, they can fluctuate, based on factors that can be environmental or individual. If the pterygium grows larger or becomes inflamed, symptoms can become more persistent, prompting the need for treatment.
Generally, symptoms may come and go, with periods of discomfort followed by times when the eyes feel normal. While symptoms can be intermittent for many, others may find them more constant, depending on the severity of the pterygium, their general eye health, and their specific environmental exposures.
Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo.
