Pterygium

A pterygium (plural: pterygia) is a benign growth of the conjunctiva (the lining of the white part of the eye) that grows onto the cornea, which is the clear tissue that is in front of the iris (the colored part of the eye). A pterygium usually begins on the side of the eye closer to the nose. Pterygia can vary in color.

Patients with pterygium often first notice the condition because of the appearance of a lesion on their eye or because of dry, itchy irritation, tearing or redness. Pterygium is usually first detected when it is confined only to the conjuctiva. At this stage it is called a pingueculum. Once it extends to the cornea it is termed a pterygium and can eventually lead to impaired vision.

Causes of Pterygium

Although the causes of pterygia or pingueculas are not entirely known, it is believed to be caused mainly by exposure to UV light. Another suspected risk is living in a dry, dusty, and windy environment. People who live near the equator or play water sports such as surfing and fishing are thus more likely to develop pterygium. Prolonged exposure to these conditions causes the conjunctiva to thicken and the eye to become red and irritated. As a result collagen in the eye begins to deteriorate.

Studies show that there may also be a genetic predisposition to pterygium, with a higher prevalence in men than in women.

Pterygium Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of pterygium ( pingueculum ) include dryness, redness, irritation, inflammation, and tearing. In more severe cases, the pterygium may grow over the pupil and limit vision.

Pterygium Prevention

Sunglasses that block UV light rays, particularly sunglasses that provide side coverage, are a good means of protection against pterygia. Wearing a hat with a brim to block sunlight is also helpful. In hot, dry climates, artificial tears (eye drops) should be used to help lubricate the eyes.

Treatment for Pterygium

In most mild cases of pterygium, artificial tears can be used to reduce dryness and irritation.

For patients with severe cases whose vision has been affected, different types of surgery are available. Surgery is the only way to definitively remove a pterygium, but it requires long-term follow-up, and there is a risk that the pterygium will grow back.

Conjunctival Auto-Grafting

Conjunctival auto-grafting is a safe and effective technique that surgically removes a pterygium. In this procedure, the pterygium is removed along with the conjunctiva (the tissue covering the sclera). Tissue is removed from the inside of the patient’s upper eye and transplanted onto the bare sclera.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation

Amniotic membrane transplantation is another safe and effective pterygium removal procedure. Tissue is removed from the inner layer of the placenta and used to reconstruct the surface of the eye. This type of graft encourages healing and reduces swelling.

Mitomycin

Mitomycin is a medication that may be used at the time of surgery to reduce the chance of pterygium recurrence.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call our office at 718-502-3937.