Eyezone Medical, Lasik Eye Care and Vision Correction Center

Pterygium Definition

Causes and Risks

Symptoms of Pterygium

Pterygium Treatment

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Definition of Pterygium

A Pterygium (TER-i-gee-um) is a fleshy pink tissue that crosses the cornea (the clear front window of the eye).
Initially, the conjunctiva will thicken and look like a bump. This is called a pingueculum. Chronic irritation or excessive exposure to UV light may cause the lesion to extend onto the cornea.

Because pterygia look like growths, people worry that they are malignant. But, the underlying process is degeneration, and pterygia do not invade the eye, sinuses or brain. Most pterygia are slow growing and rarely cause significant problems like vision loss.

Because a pterygium resembles tissue or film growing over the eye, people may be concerned about personal appearance.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pterygium and Pinguecula

Although the causes of these lesions are not completely understood, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation from sunlight have been implicated. Other chronic irritants, such as dust and wind, may play a role as well. Susceptible groups include farmers and fishermen or those who engage in outdoor activities such as golfing and gardening.

Symptoms of Pterygium and Pinguecula

Pterygia are seen on the surface of the eye and visibly noticeable even before they cause symptoms. Although some people constantly feel like they have a foreign body in their eye, most are asymptomatic. They can become irritated, causing an itchy, burning sensation. Because the lids can no longer spread the tears over a smooth area, dry areas may result. Pterygium can also stretch and distort the cornea inducing some astigmatism.

Treatment of Pterygium and Pinguecula

Usually, no treatment is needed. Artificial tears can be used to relieve the sensation of a foreign body in the eye and to protect against dryness. If the pterygium is small but becomes inflamed, our doctor may prescribe a mild anti-inflammatory eye drop to reduce swelling and redness. In some cases, surgical removal of the pterygium is necessary.

Surgery to remove the pterygium is advisable when the effect on the cornea causes visual problems or excessive discomfort. Sometimes surgical removal is also performed for cosmetic reasons.

Surgery is performed in the office with local anesthesia. The pterygium and all thickened areas are removed. There is a 50 percent risk of the pterygium returning, unless we take additional steps to prevent regrowth. The most common additional step is removing an unaffected piece of white tissue and grafting it into the area where the pterygium was removed. Studies have shown that the "graft" technique lowers the pterygium recurrence rate to less than 5 percent. Other common methods of preventing recurrence include use of topical mitomycin (a drug that interferes with cell growth).

Healing after this type of surgery typically takes many weeks with patients applying prescribed topical eye drops or ointments several times a day. In the early phase of healing, the eye may be slightly swollen and bloodshot in appearance. Eventually the area improves in comfort and appearance.