LaserVision

What is Pterygium?

A Pterygium (pronounced ter-ij-ee-um) is a wing-shaped growth of tissue that initially forms on the white of the eye, before stretching across the clear window known as the cornea. It can form on either side of the eye but predominantly forms on the side closest to the nose. Pterygium is not considered to be a dangerous or suspicious growth of tissue, but it may cause symptoms requiring its removal.

Pterygium Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Mild irritation
  • Episodes of redness and inflammation
  • Cosmetic concern
  • Blurred vision (if crossing the visual axis)
  • Distortion due to induced astigmatism

What are the Causes?

Pterygium is considered to be a reaction of the surface of the eye to a source of irritation. Clinical research shows us that chronic exposure to UV, dust and wind can play a large role in its development. Pterygium are more commonly found in people of male gender, aged between 30 and 50.

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

Pterygium is considered to be a reaction of the surface of the eye to a source of irritation. Clinical research shows us that chronic exposure to UV, dust and wind can play a large role in its development. Pterygium are more commonly found in people of male gender, aged between 30 and 50.

Pterygium Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

Pterygium can be comfortably managed with lubricating eye drops if your vision is unaffected and you are only experiencing mild irritation. If the Pterygium is compromising your sight, is feeling uncomfortable or is causing a cosmetic concern, your Laser Vision doctor may feel that surgical intervention is appropriate. Pterygium surgery is a day-case, locally anaesthetised procedure in which micro-instruments are used to remove the growth. A piece of conjunctival autograft is then applied to the site to reduce the chance of recurrence to less than 5%.

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Need to know more about this condition?

If you’d like some more information or to discuss this condition with one of our experts, simply drop us a line or give us a call and we’d be delighted to speak with you.
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