Pterygium is a vascular pink tissue that can grow from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. If it grows into the line of vision (over the pupillary aperture), it can interfere with vision. Pterygium is most commonly found to originate from on the inner (nasal) surface of the eye and extend toward the pupil. They can also occur on the temporal (towards the ear) side of the eye.

Pterygium is more common in countries near to the equator, where there is long-term exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition, others believe that chronic eye irritation may play an important role. Therefore, pterygium occurs more often in people who spend time outdoors, particularly in sunny climates. Pterygium is a benign (not malignant) tumors. Hence pterygium does not invade the eye, sinuses, or brain. Pterygium does not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Symptoms of Pterygium

A pterygium doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, the symptoms are usually mild. Common symptoms include redness, blurred vision, and eye irritation. You might also feel a burning sensation or itchiness. If a pterygium grows large enough to cover your cornea, it can interfere with your vision. Thick or larger pterygium can also cause you to feel like you have a foreign object in your eye. You might not be able to continue wearing contact lenses when you have a pterygium due to discomfort.

Causes of Pterygium

Exposure to excessive amounts of ultra-violet (UV) light is thought to be the most significant cause of pterygia. This more commonly occurs in people living in sunny areas and in people whose jobs expose them to UV light (eg: farmers, fishermen, arc welders).

The risk of pterygia is higher in parts of the world, such as New Zealand, where the atmosphere’s depleted ozone layer is less effective at filtering UV light. Other factors that may cause the development of pterygia include environmental irritants (eg: wind, dust, chemicals, air pollution) and a family history of the disorder.

Pterygia occur twice as frequently in males than females and are most common in people older than 40 years of age. They can affect one or both eyes.

Diagnosis

Pterygium is usually diagnosed based on appearance. They are typically a wing-shaped, soft tissue growth from the nasal or less commonly the temporal bulbar conjunctiva toward the cornea. Should growth be documented, excision is usually suggested. When surgery is performed, the excised tissue should be sent to pathology for histopathologic diagnosis.

Treatments of Pterygium

If a pterygium becomes red and irritated, lubricating eye drops or ointments can be placed onto the eye to reduce the inflammation. Rarely, anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed.

Pterygium is surgically removed when they affect sight, grow such that your eye care professional expects it to impair vision, or if it is cosmetically unacceptable. Unfortunately, the pterygium may return despite proper surgical removal. To help prevent recurrences surface radiation, conjunctival implants (grafts), or chemotherapy medications can be used.

Patients with pterygium should wear ultraviolet (UV) protective sunglasses, use artificial tears, and avoid dry and dusty conditions.

Media Contact:

Sarah Rose

Journal Manager Journal of Eye Diseases and Disorders

Email: eyedisorders@emedsci.com

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