Understanding Pterygium: causes, symptoms and treatment

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium is a common eye condition characterised by a pink, fleshy growth on the sclera (the white part of the eye) that extends onto the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye). Typically, it develops on the side of the eye closest to the nose. Although often harmless, if the pterygium progresses or enlarges, it can interfere with vision and may need to be removed to prevent significant scarring.

What are the symptoms?

• Visible growth: A wedge-shaped growth on the eye is the most apparent symptom.
• Discomfort: Sensations such as grittiness, itchiness, burning, and redness.
• Inflammation: The eye may feel more irritated as the pterygium grows.
• Vision issues: In advanced cases, the pterygium may blur or distort vision if it extends onto the cornea. Reduced vision is less common but can occur due to the growth affecting the central cornea or causing astigmatism.

What causes Pterygium?

Pterygium is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, as well as dry and dusty conditions. Consequently, it is more prevalent in individuals who have lived in sunny or equatorial regions. It commonly affects people aged between 30 and 50 and is more frequent in men than women.

What are the treatment options?

• Observation: If the pterygium is stable and not causing discomfort, it may be monitored without immediate treatment.
• Symptomatic relief: Lubricating eye drops can help alleviate discomfort caused by dryness and irritation.
• Surgical removal: If the pterygium affects vision or causes significant discomfort, surgical intervention may be necessary. This involves:
  • Removal: Using micro-instruments to excise the pterygium.
  • Conjunctival autografting: Replacing the removed tissue with a graft from the patient's own conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye and inner eyelids). The graft is secured with glue or dissolvable stitches.

This technique significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence to less than 5%, which is a common complication of pterygium surgery.

For more detailed information about the surgical procedure, please read more about pterygium surgery here.