Pterygium

A pterygium is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. It can extend onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.

Causes

• Prolonged UV exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
• Dry environments: Living in dry, dusty environments.
• Wind and dust: Exposure to wind and dust.
• Genetics: Family history of pterygium.

Symptoms

• Redness and irritation: Redness, irritation, and inflammation of the eye.
• Blurred vision: Blurred vision or distorted vision.
• Discomfort: Discomfort or a feeling of something in the eye.
• Growth on the eye: A visible growth on the conjunctiva or cornea.

Risk Factors

• Prolonged UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
• Dry and Dusty Environments: Living or working in dry, dusty environments.
• Wind and Dust Exposure: Exposure to wind and dust.
• Genetics: Family history of pterygium.
• Age: Pterygium is more common in people over 40 years old.
• Outdoor Occupations: People who work outdoors, such as farmers, fishermen, or construction workers.

Diagnosis

• Slit-Lamp Examination: A comprehensive eye exam using a slit lamp to visualize the growth.
• Visual Acuity Test: A test to measure vision clarity.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound biomicroscopy or anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) may be used to evaluate the growth and its impact on the eye.

Treatment

• Lubricating eye drops: Lubricating eye drops to reduce dryness and irritation.
• Surgery:
  • Pterygium Surgery with Conjunctival Autograft (CAG): Pterygium surgery with CAG is a surgical procedure to remove a pterygium and repair the conjunctiva with a conjunctival autograft.

Advantages of CAG Procedure:

• Low recurrence rate: CAG reduces the risk of pterygium recurrence.
• Improved cosmetic outcome: CAG helps restore a smooth conjunctival surface.
• Reduced risk of complications: CAG reduces the risk of complications, such as infection or scarring.

Post-Operative Care

• Eye drops: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used to promote healing.
• Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and remove sutures.
• Protective shielding: Protective shielding may be used to protect the eye from dust, wind, or other irritants.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation.
• Protective eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, to reduce UV exposure.

Prevention

• Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
• Use lubricating eye drops: Use lubricating eye drops to reduce dryness.
• Avoid dry environments: Avoid living or working in dry, dusty environments.
• Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when working outdoors or in windy, dusty conditions.