Pterygium
A pterygium (pronounced tur-ij-ee-um) is an overgrowth of the outer covering of the eye (the conjunctiva) onto the clear window of the front of the eye (the cornea). It is a common condition particularly in Australia, due to our abundance of UV light.
Symptoms of pterygium:
Often a pterygium may cause no symptoms at all. They may however be visible as a white overgrowth on the inner aspect of the eye. Symptoms that may be caused by pterygiums include:
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Red eye
- Watery eye
Management of Pterygium
In many cases, no specific treatment is required for pterygium. Your Optometrist is often able to keep a watch on them as a part of your regular comprehensive eye review.
Some measures that may help with irritation or red eye caused by pterygium include:
- Use of hat/ sunglasses especially when outdoors and in the wind
- Use of regular lubricating eye drops
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the pterygium. Indications for this include:
- Persistent eye irritation and discomfort despite conservative measures such as those above
- Extension of the pterygium toward the central area of your cornea (the visual axis)
- Blurred vision due to growth of the ptergyium
- Troublesome red eye and appearance of the pterygium.
Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. You may also be given sedation to help relax you during the surgery. At the time of the surgery, we mark the extent of the pterygium and then remove this tissue. We then harvest a small graft of conjunctiva from the top of the eyeball and then attach this to the area of the eye where the pterygium was removed. This helps to reduce the chance of the pterygium growing back.
After the surgery it is very common for you eye to be red and irritated and this can persist for a few weeks. You will be given drops to apply after the surgery including an antibiotic and steroid drop which will help with the healing of the eye. You can also apply preservative free lubricants which often help with the irritation. It is important not to rub your eye after the surgery as this can disrupt the conjunctival graft.
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with pterygium surgery and these will be explained at the time of your consultation as well as in the post-operative period. If you have any concerns regarding your eye after surgery we recommend you contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and arrange review. If you are unable to reach the clinic or one of our doctors, please attend your nearest Emergency Department for review.
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