How can a pterygium be treated?
Depending on the person’s level of discomfort and other symptoms, such as vision impairment, a pterygium may be simply observed for changes, treated for symptom management only, or surgically removed.
Some patients can also elect to remove a pterygium for cosmetic reasons.
Observation
When the condition isn’t causing significant symptoms and is not interfering with vision, it can often simply be left alone and observed for any changes over time.
We recommend that those with a pterygium seek the advice of their general practitioner, optometrist or ophthalmologist, and have a check up once a year (or sometimes every two years).
While observing any changes with a mirror at home can also be sufficient, some changes can be hard to see without the equipment that can be used by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Symptom management: Over-the-counter treatments
When the condition is causing uncomfortable symptoms, but does not require surgery, over-the-counter methods can be sufficient to simply manage the symptoms.
Typically, treatments like eye drops can be used when symptoms are significant – but overly frequent, long-term use of the treatments are generally not recommended, as it can lead to further issues.
The suitability of using over-the-counter treatments to manage the symptoms of a pterygium will depend on the level of discomfort the patient is experiencing, and the severity of the pterygium.
Surgical removal: The P.E.R.F.E.C.T method
If over-the-counter treatment isn’t sufficient, vision has become affected, or if patients elect to remove a pterygium for cosmetic reasons, surgery can be performed using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method.
Developed by Professor Hirst, the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method has been shown to significantly reduce the reoccurrence rate of a pterygium after surgery, which was one of the leading complications of previous surgical methods. The method also achieves a more effective cosmetic result, often appearing as if the pterygium had not occurred.
P.E.R.F.E.C.T stands for Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplant. It is performed with anaesthesia and involves a careful, precise excision of the pterygium, including a portion of the underlying conjunctival tissue, to reduce the chance of recurrence.
After the pterygium is removed, an extended conjunctival graft is then prepared, which involves taking a larger piece of healthy conjunctival tissue from another area of the eye (often from the opposite eye or from a different location on the same eye).
The graft is then placed over the area where the pterygium was excised, covering the exposed sclera. The transplant not only helps to prevent reoccurrence, but it helps to improve the cosmetic result of the surgery.
It takes about an hour to perform and should always be performed by a highly skilled and experienced professional.
The potential for reoccurrence: How successful is the surgical removal of a pterygium?
While the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method significantly reduces the chance of reoccurrence, a pterygium can still reoccur after surgery, although it is less common. Scientific reports have found that if the pterygium does reoccur, is typically does so within the first year after surgery.
Get in touch to see Dr Juanita Pappalardo
Dr Pappalardo has undertaken thorough training alongside Professor Lawrence Hirst, the pioneer of the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® procedure and an international expert in pterygium. She is one of only a handful of ophthalmologists in Australia (and indeed worldwide) who have been trained in the meticulous assessment and surgical management of pterygium with the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® technique. If you suspect that you have a pterygium, get in touch to plan your visit with Dr Pappalardo.
Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo.
