Pterygium
What is pterygium?
How do you say it? Too-rij-ee-um. Pterygium is a wing-shaped thickened white tissue that slowly grows over the cornea (the window to our eye). Not uncommon here in sunny Queensland, as UV light is one of the strongest risk factors.
When to be concerned about pterygium?
On occasion, a pterygium can become red and irritable on the eye. If left untreated, apart from its unsightly appearance, scarring can set in and a resultant reduction in vision due to surface irregularity (astigmatism) can occur.
Sometimes, it can also be the beginning of a surface cancer (OSSN)—although this is rare. At EyeHub, we liken a pterygium to a friend you do not really want hanging around!
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EyeHub lead ophthalmologist Dr Sonia Moorthy is experienced in pterygium treatment
Treatment for pterygium
If a pterygium is small and not causing any bother, it can be monitored.
Size does matter here, so if a pterygium is large or growing rapidly, surgery is recommended. This is done by removing the pterygium and transplanting a graft harvested from the surface of your own eye.
For a personalised consult, contact the team at EyeHub today.
Watch VideoPterygium assessment for Sunshine Coast locals
Here at EyeHub, we understand how important your vision is to you. That is why we use latest diagnostics to plan for your surgical needs.
Lead ophthalmologist, Dr Sonia Moorthy, has years of experience in assessing and treating pterygium—including sutureless surgery. You can be certain to have an informed discussion about your treatment.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to your questions about pterygium
What are the symptoms of pterygium?
Symptoms include redness, irritation, dryness, a gritty sensation, and, in advanced cases, blurred vision if the growth interferes with the cornea.
Is a pterygium dangerous?
While typically benign, a pterygium can cause vision problems or significant discomfort if it grows over the cornea or becomes inflamed.
Who is at risk of developing a pterygium?
Those who live in sunny or windy climates, work outdoors, or have a history of significant UV exposure are at higher risk.
How is pterygium diagnosed?
An eye doctor can diagnose pterygium during a routine eye exam using visual inspection and sometimes imaging techniques like slit-lamp biomicroscopy.
What treatment options are available for pterygium?
Treatments include lubricating eye drops for mild cases, anti-inflammatory medications for irritation, or surgical removal in more severe cases.
When is surgery recommended for pterygium?
Surgery is recommended if the pterygium affects vision, causes significant discomfort, or recurs frequently despite other treatments.
Can pterygium come back after removal?
Yes, recurrence is common, especially if post-surgery precautions like avoiding UV exposure are not followed. Modern surgical techniques can reduce the risk.
How can pterygium be prevented?
Prevention involves wearing UV-protective sunglasses, using wide-brimmed hats, avoiding direct sun exposure, and using lubricating eye drops to reduce dryness and irritation.
