Pterygium
A pterygium is a growth that grows on the conjunctiva, or mucous membrane that covers the white of the eye. It is benign and noncancerous and is often triangular in shape. In some cases, the pterygium may invade the cornea. The cornea is the clear part of the eye that surrounds the iris and pupil. Pterygium usually does not cause any problems and does not require treatment; however, if it interferes with a person's vision, it can be removed with surgery.
What causes pterygium?
The exact causes of pterygium are not known. However, it seems that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to the development of pterygium. This disease often occurs in people who live in very hot areas and have to spend a lot of time outdoors in strong wind and sun. In general, it can be said that people who are exposed to certain factors are more likely to develop this disease. These factors include:
Sunlight
Pollen
Sand and dust
Cigarette smoke
Wind
Other factors that increase the risk of developing this disease are having fair skin and light eye color.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Pterygium does not always have symptoms; and if there are symptoms, they are usually mild. The most common symptoms are: eye redness, blurred vision, and eye pain. In addition, a person may experience burning and itching of the eyes. If the pterygium grows to the point where it covers the cornea, it can affect a person's vision. A thick or large pterygium can also make you feel like you have a foreign body in your eye. When a pterygium develops, a person will not be able to wear contact lenses due to eye discomfort.
What are the complications of this disease?
In rare cases, pterygium may lead to a severe stain on the cornea; since a corneal stain can lead to vision loss, in these situations, the person needs to be treated immediately. In cases where the condition is not severe, eye inflammation can be treated with eye drops and eye ointment; however, in cases where the pterygium is very advanced, a corneal transplant is needed. In a corneal transplant, the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a donor cornea to restore vision to the eye.
How is this disease diagnosed?
Diagnosing pterygium in the eye is not difficult. A specialist can diagnose it with the help of a routine eye examination performed with a slit lamp. The slit lamp enables the doctor to see the inside of the eye well with the help of a bright light and a microscope. If your doctor diagnoses it, other tests should be performed, including:
Visual acuity test, which involves reading letters on a vision board.
Corneal topography, which measures changes in the curvature of the cornea.
Corneal radiography, which involves taking pictures of the cornea to monitor the growth of the pterygium.
How is this disease treated?
A pterygium usually does not require treatment unless it is causing vision problems or severe pain or discomfort in the eye. Your doctor can determine whether a pterygium will cause a problem with your vision by examining your eyes.
Treatment methods for pterygium fall into two categories: medication and surgery.
Medication
If a pterygium causes severe burning or redness of the eye, your doctor will prescribe eye drops and eye ointments containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Surgery
If prescribed eye drops and ointments do not reduce pain, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the pterygium. In addition, in cases where the pterygium causes reduced vision or astigmatism, surgery and removal of the pterygium are also recommended. If this condition has not caused problems with your vision, but you want to remove it for cosmetic reasons, you can consult your doctor about this.
Like any other surgery, this procedure carries some risks. In some cases, the pterygium may return after surgery. Dryness and irritation of the eyes can also occur after surgery. In this case, your doctor can prescribe appropriate medications to reduce the pain and minimize the chance of the pterygium returning.
How can I prevent pterygium?
If possible, avoid exposure to environmental factors that cause pterygium. You can protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and dust by using standard sunglasses and wearing a hat. Sunglasses should also protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you already have pterygium, you can slow its growth by reducing your exposure to the following factors:
Wind
Dust
Cigarette smoke
Pollen
Sunlight
It is important to note that following these steps will also prevent pterygium from returning after surgery.