Q: What is a pterygium?
A pterygium (TER-i-gee-um) is often referred to as Carnosidad or Pterigión in Spanish. It is a fleshy pink tissue (scar tissue) that crosses the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). One or both eyes may be involved and a patient can have more than one Pterygium in each eye. Pterygium can very in size from small to large. Pterygium is often visible on the eye before they cause symptoms. It may feel like something is in the eye. It can become irritated, itchy, or cause burning sensation. Large pterygium can also distort the cornea, causing blurred vision.
Q: How much does it cost to remove my pterygium?
The cost to remove your pterygium depends on many factors such as…
· The size of the pterygium
· The location of the pterygium
· The number of pterygiums you have in each eye
· Whether you have enough natural tissue to perform a graft or whether an artificial membrane graft needs to be used
· Whether you had previous surgery to remove your pterygium
This is why we recommend you come in for a free consultation so that Dr Vu can look at your eye and determine the best treatment plan to help you get rid of the pterygiums in your eye.
Q: What are the causes of pterygium?
The exact cause is unknown but it is associated with excessive exposure to UV light from the sun. Chronic irritants like the dust and wind may cause pterygium to get larger.
Q: Why do people need pterygium surgery?
Although most pterygia (plural for pterygium) are harmless. They are surgically removed if they cause excessive discomfort, redness or visual problems. Surgery is also performed if a pterygium is unsightly or cosmetically unappealing.
Q: Will I be in pain after surgery?
After any surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected for the about 5 days. Generally over the counter Tylenol is all patients need to alleviate their symptoms along with lubricating eyedrops.
Q: How will I feel after my pterygium surgery?
Immediately after surgery you may experience foreign body sensation and watering in the eyes. Patients usually spend at least 24 hours after surgery resting. Healing after this type of surgery may take a few weeks, requiring prescription eye drops. The eye may be slightly swollen and bloodshot at first, but improves in comfort and appearance over time.
Q: How long does pterygium surgery take?
The length of surgery depends of several factors including the complexity of each patient’s pterygium. Usually, surgery takes about a half hour per pterygium.
Q: Can I drive myself back home?
No, you should not drive yourself. You will be given Valium prior to your surgery which can cause drowsiness, therefore, affecting your ability to drive.
Q: How soon can I go back to work after pterygium surgery?
New techniques have significantly reduced healing times. However, each patient’s healing time varies with the type of procedure performed, medical history and physical health. You can expect to go back to work within 1 week of surgery.
Q: Is there financing available?
A: Yes, our office provides monthly payment plans that make pterygium surgery easily affordable.