Pterygium Eye: Its Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Pterygium Eye is a raised, fleshy growth that contains blood vessels in your eye.
Mainly, it is the growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea.
Pterygium comes from the Greek word pterygos or pteryx, which means “wing.” Thus, giving meaning to its shape.
The growth is either wing-like or triangular-shaped. It can grow from any corner of your eye, but usually, it rises from the corner close to your nose.
Pterygium prevalence varies depending on the environmental conditions. Globally, its magnitude ranges from 0.3% to 29%.
Pterygium can occur in one or both eyes. But it usually doesn’t happen in both eyes at the same time.
It is benign or non-cancerous growth. Read on to learn more about Pterygium Eye.
Pterygium Eye Symptoms
If you have Pterygium in your eye, symptoms may or may not show. However, they are mostly mild.
The common symptoms include:
Red eye
Redness in the eye is one of the symptoms of Pterygium. It is a common symptom in most eye diseases or conditions.
It is also known as bloodshot eyes.
As the Pterygium of the eye becomes visible, it frequently becomes red.
Blurred vision
When you experience decreased clarity or sharpness in vision, it can be because of the Pterygium eye condition.
Due to recurrent Pterygium, blurry vision can be a more dominant symptom.
Visual interference
You may have difficulty in your vision. Visual interference can hamper your regular sight.
Pterygium can cause interference with vision if the tissues entirely obstruct light from entering the retina.
Foreign object in your eye
You may experience irritation because of a feeling that there is some foreign object in your eye.
A case study was conducted in which a 35-year-old woman had right eye Pterygium. She experienced a foreign object sensation.
Causes of Pterygium
There are not many known causes of Pterygium.
But two are found to be the potential causes of Pterygium, exposure to ultraviolet light and outdoor work (exposure to pollen, sand, smoke, or wind).
Exposure to ultraviolet light
Exposure to ultraviolet lights, primarily due to the sun, is one of the most important causes of Pterygium.
The research was conducted by the University of Opthalmology, Croatia, on two groups of people. The first group of 19 people was exposed to the sun, and the second group of 10 people was not exposed to the sun.
Results showed that the first group was most affected by ultraviolet light.
Outdoor work
People who primarily work outdoors are at more risk for developing Pterygium.
These groups include fishermen, surfers, building laborers, mine workers, etc.
A study was conducted by UCC IR in which it was found that 24.3% of the quarry workers developed Pterygium in the eye.
Diagnosis of Pterygium
The diagnosis of Pterygium is primarily made with a slit lamp test. However, additional tests can also be used for diagnosis.
Slit lamp test
Your ophthalmologist may conduct a slit lamp test in which a high-intensity light is focused on your eye.
It will help the doctor to look closely at the eyes, including the front and inside of your eye.
Visual acuity test
Your ophthalmologist conducts this test to check your ability to see.
Some letters are written on the Snellen chart, and you are asked to read the most petite sizes.
The chart is held at a 20 feet distance. If the length is shorter than that, then unique charts are used.
It can help the doctor discover the symptoms of blurred vision and visual interference.
Corneal topography
In corneal topography, 3D maps are created to have a detailed view of the cornea.
It displays the size, shape, and power of the cornea’s anterior and posterior surfaces. In addition, to its thickness in various locations.
This method is a great help in diagnosing Pterygium in the eye.
Photograph documentation
Photograph documentation is a simple procedure in which pictures are taken to track the growth of eye disease.
Your ophthalmologist may take frontal eye photographed images, also known as anterior segment photographed images, to track the growth of Pterygium.
Also read: To learn about the recommended frequency for eye exams, we encourage you to read this informative article on The Eye Care Checklist: How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Treatment for Pterygium
Usually, Pterygium doesn’t always need any treatment.
However, sometimes, if it interferes with your vision or causes other problems, you might need treatment. It can be conducted in 2 ways:
Medications
Medications are recommended when you have eye irritation, blurred vision, etc.
You can be prescribed over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as:
- Eye drops
- Gels
- Ointment
Surgery
Surgery is not usually recommended for the treatment of Pterygium.
The reason behind this is the recurring nature of Pterygium after surgery.
Though you may still need surgery if:
- Eye drops, gels and ointments aren’t relieving your symptoms.
- Pterygium has grown larger and blocks your vision.
- For cosmetic purposes.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend conjunctival autograft surgery as it only has a 10% possibility of recurring Pterygium.
Takeaway
Pterygium in the eye is the growth of the conjunctiva. It usually occurs in one eye but can also appear in the other.
Exposure to ultraviolet light and outdoor work can be the prime causes of Pterygium.
These can cause symptoms like red eye, blurred vision, visual interference, etc.
Mostly, surgery is not the first choice for the treatment of Pterygium. Medications such as eye drops, gels, and ointments are enough.
But your doctor may recommend you conjunctival autograft surgery in severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pterygium of the eye?
Pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva which can spread up to the cornea. This growth may result in blurred vision. Mostly, it doesn’t need surgery. Topical medications help in treating the symptoms of Pterygium.
What age is Pterygium common?
Pterygium is rarely seen in children. They are most common in adults. Usually, Pterygium occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. It is commonly seen in people over the age of 40 years.
What options do I have for treating the Pterygium in my eye?
Usually, Pterygium doesn’t need treatment. However, your doctor might recommend topical medications like eye drops, gels, or ointment to treat the symptoms. In severe cases, your ophthalmologist can also do conjunctival autograft surgery.
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