What is the skin growing in my eye?
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MS, DNB, FRCS (Glasg.) FAICO (Glaucoma)
Dr. Vijay Shetty has performed several Pterygium surgeries with advanced stich less technique using glue for the graft
About PTERYGIUM
What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a condition where there is a fleshy growth arising from conjunctiva (white transparent portion) growing on to cornea. This is usually seen in elderly who are exposed to lot of sunlight exposure. Pterygia are not harmful, but they can cause eye irritation and changes in vision.
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Dr. Vijay Shetty has compiled videos for you answering all your Pterygium related queries.
About PTERYGIUM
What are the symptoms of PTERYGIUM?
In the early stages, a pterygium may not be very noticeable. It is also unlikely to cause any discomfort or changes in vision. If the pterygium continues to grow, however, it may become more visible. The growth will typically appear fleshy and triangular. It may be red, pink, or yellow.
01.
Redness of the conjunctiva
- Over-the-counter eye ointments or wetting drops.
- Eyedrops that clear up redness and irritation.
- Prescription steroid eyedrops to ease redness, itching, swelling, and pain.
02.
Itching, dryness, and burning in one or both eyes
- using eye drops
- using a humidifier
- looking away from your computer or book to give your eyes a break
- wearing glasses or eye protection to block wind
03.
A sensation of having sand or grit in the eye
Different types of eyedrops may be prescribed to lubricate your eyes, reduce inflammation, or increase tear production.
About one in every 100 Australians develops a pterygium (the plural for pterygium is pterygia). (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pterygium)
Exposure to lot of Sunlight
Sandy areas
Pollen environment
Smoke
PTERYGIUM CAUSES
WHY DOES PTERYGIUM HAPPEN?
The exact cause of pterygium isn’t known. This is usually seen in elderly who are exposed to lot of sunlight exposure. In the early stages it causes a cosmetic disfigurement and in later stage may affect the vision. It occurs more often in people who live in warm climates and spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny or windy environments. People whose eyes are exposed to certain elements on a regular basis have a higher risk of developing this condition. These elements include:
- pollen
- sand
- smoke
- wind
HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE A PTERYGIUM?
Diagnosing a pterygium is straightforward. We may diagnose this condition based on a physical examination using a slit lamp. This lamp allows us to see your eye with the help of magnification and bright lighting. If we need to do additional tests, they may include:
Visual acuity test. This test involves reading letters on an eye chart.
Corneal topography. This medical mapping technique is used to measure curvature changes in your cornea.
Photo documentation. This procedure involves taking pictures to track the growth rate of the pterygium.
PTERYGIUM Prevention
CAN YOU PREVENT OR REVERSE PTERYGIUM?
Redness in pterygium can be reduced to some extent with drops. However a definitive treatment is surgery where in the pterygium mass is removed and replaced with conjunctival graft fixed with glue.
If possible, avoid exposure to environmental factors that can cause a pterygium. You can help prevent the development of a pterygium by wearing sunglasses or a hat to shield your eyes from sunlight, wind, and dust. Your sunglasses should also provide protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you already have a pterygium, limiting your exposure to the following can slow its growth. Other factors involved are wind, dust, pollen, smoke.
Avoiding these conditions can also help prevent pterygiums from coming back if you’ve had any removed.
Wear sunglasses or hat
Avoid direct and long exposure to sunlight. And wear sunglasses or hats whenever necessary to shield your eyes from sunlight, wind, and dust.
Protect eyes from UV rays
Your sunglasses should also provide protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you already have a pterygium, limiting your exposure to the following can slow its growth
Avoid wind, dust, pollen and smoky areas
Avoiding these conditions can also help prevent pterygiums from coming back if you’ve had any removed.
Comparing pingueculae and pterygia
Pingueculae and pterygia are types of growths that can form on your eye. The singular term for pterygia is pterygium. These two conditions share a few similarities, but there are also notable differences between them.
Pingueculae and pterygia are both benign and grow near the cornea. They’re both linked to exposure to the sun, wind, and other harsh elements.
However, pterygia don’t look like pingueculae. Pterygia have a flesh-colored appearance and are round, oval, or elongated. Pterygia are more likely to grow over the cornea than pingueculae. A pinguecula that grows onto the cornea is known as a pterygium.