Before pterygium surgery can be considered, a correct diagnosis is needed, which requires a thorough eye examination.
At Valley Eye Specialists, Dr Juanita Pappalardo, who specialises in the procedure, performs surgery to remove a pterygium. Dr Pappalardo performs the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplantation) technique, having been trained by the pioneer of the technique, Professor Lawrence Hirst. The procedure can be performed at Brisbane Day Surgery in Spring Hill or at North West Private Hospital in Everton Park. It can be performed as a day procedure and is performed under local anaesthetic sedation or general anaesthesia.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is characterised by an overgrowth of tissue onto the clear cornea from the white of the eye. It can affect one or both eyes.
It can have various causes, but it is most often caused by excessive sun exposure in the early years of life, particularly among young adults in Queensland.
If you have a pterygium, it may remain the same size or continue to grow, extending across the front of the eye and leading to further concerns. If left untreated, a pterygium can cause discomfort, inflammation, and redness and can sometimes interfere with vision.
Treatment for a pterygium can include using lubricating eye drops, eye drops that temporarily relieve symptoms, avoiding certain irritants, or surgical removal. Surgical removal may be recommended if the pterygium is causing significant irritation or redness, if vision is affected, or if it seems to be changing. It may also be surgically removed for cosmetic purposes.
Symptoms of a pterygium
A pterygium typically appears as a triangular, fleshy tissue growth onto the cornea of an eye (or both eyes). Some symptoms that a pterygium can cause include irritation (particularly itching or burning), redness/inflammation, and ocular discomfort. A pterygium can also interfere with vision, depending on how far across the front of the eye it has grown.
Preparing for pterygium surgery
Before undergoing a procedure to remove a pterygium, you’ll need to have a thorough assessment with one of our ophthalmologists. Since changes in the eye that are similar to those seen in pterygium may be indicators of other conditions, the diagnosis must be correctly made.
For your first consultation, remember to bring your referral letter from your optometrist, GP or other medical practitioner, and your Medicare card and private health insurance details (if applicable). You should also bring along a list of any current medications or eye drops that you currently take or use, as well as results of any relevant tests or scans that you have had. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should also bring them to your appointment.
During your consultation, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including eye imaging. Your ophthalmologist will also discuss personal factors, such as any health conditions you may have and lifestyle factors that need to be considered in your treatment plan.
We will provide you with any necessary instructions to follow in the lead up to your surgery, to ensure you are prepared. We may ask you to fast, or to make changes to medications (such as diabetes medications or blood thinning medications).
When you arrive at the surgical facility, you will need to have some eye drops instilled in your eye to prepare it for surgery. You should avoid bringing any jewellery or valuables to the hospital as these may need to be removed during the procedure.
Pterygium surgery at Valley Eye Specialists in Brisbane
Pterygium surgery will be performed by Dr Juanita Pappalardo, one of the experienced ophthalmologists at Valley Eye Specialists. The procedure is usually performed as day surgery. Depending on your preference, it can be performed at Brisbane Day Surgery in Spring Hill or at North West Private Hospital in Everton Park. All of the details of your surgery will be discussed during your consultation at our Brisbane practice, as each procedure is tailored to meet individual needs.
When you arrive at the surgical facility, some eye drops may need to be instilled in your eye to prepare for the procedure. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation or general anaesthesia.
Dr Pappalardo uses the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplantation) technique to prevent pterygium recurrence and provide the best possible aesthetic result.
Immediately following surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area to ensure you feel well before being cleared to return home. The entire process typically takes about three hours. You won’t be able to drive after surgery, so please arrange for transportation home from the hospital. Ideally, you should also have someone stay with you for the first night after your surgery. Before you go home, you will be informed of the appropriate measures to support your recovery.
What to expect after pterygium surgery
You should be able to return home on the same day as your surgery. However, you will return to the clinic the following day for a checkup with your ophthalmologist to ensure your eye is beginning to recover and to provide you with further instructions regarding eye drops and how to take care of your eye as it recovers.
After your surgery, you should follow any recovery instructions provided to you by your ophthalmologist. It’s normal for your eye to look red and feel gritty after the procedure, and this usually takes a few weeks to subside completely. You will be instructed to use eye drops during the weeks after your surgery to help protect against infection, reduce inflammation and help your eye heal.
You’ll need around three routine visits to your ophthalmologist 12 months after your surgery to monitor your healing progress. There is a rare chance (less than 1 in 1,000) of pterygium reoccurring after surgery, but this risk is minimised using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. technique.
The costs of pterygium surgery
Our team will provide you with information regarding the expected cost of your consultation and diagnostic tests required, together with the applicable Medicare rebate, upon confirmation of an appointment. Please note that appointments cannot be bulk billed.
The costs of your pterygium surgery will include a fee for the surgeon performing the cataract surgery, the anaesthetist who will provide your anaesthesia, and the hospital fee. Hospital fees depend on your chosen hospital (Brisbane Day Surgery or North West Private Hospital).
Medicare and Private Health Insurance
Patients may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate for the consultation and some of the required diagnostic tests. To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need a current referral and must meet Medicare’s criteria. Our Reception team can submit the claim to Medicare electronically upon full payment.
While Private Health Insurance providers do not cover consultations, some may be able to cover a portion or all of the costs associated with surgery. After your consultation, our team can provide you with personalised advice regarding your surgery costs.
How to prevent pterygium
Protecting the eyes from sun exposure and dusty, sandy, dry, or windy environments can prevent pterygium. When exposed to sunlight, wear appropriate eyewear, such as sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Protecting the eyes from an early age is recommended.
Our ophthalmologists
Dr Juanita Pappalardo
Awarded the prestigious Filipic Greer Medal for overall outstanding performance in Ophthalmic Pathology in Australia and New Zealand, Dr Pappalardo completed her ophthalmology training rotating through major ophthalmology units within Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Her extensive training began at the University of Queensland School of Medicine, before completing her internship and residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and her ophthalmology residency at the City Eye Centre and the Mater Adult’s and Mater Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane. Recently published in international journals in the field of ocular genetics, she maintains an interest in research and actively participates in registrar teaching.
To perform pterygium surgery, Dr Pappalardo practices the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplantation) technique after training with Professor Lawrence Hirst, the pioneer of the technique.
Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo.
