Pterygium

Pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the eye over the cornea. The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye. This benign growth is often shaped like a wedge. Pterygium usually does not cause problem or require treatment, but it can be removed if it interferes with the vision.

Symptoms

Pterygium does not always cause symptoms. When it does, the symptoms are usually mild. Common symptoms include redness, blurred vision and eye irritation. It might also create burning sensation or itchiness. If Pterygium grows large enough to cover the Cornea, it can interfere with the vision. Thick or larger Pterygium can also cause to feel like having a foreign object in the eye. Wearing contact lenses could become a discomfort on a Pterygium eye.

Pterygium can lead to severe scarring on the cornea, but this is rare. Scarring on the cornea needs to be treated because it can cause vision loss. For minor cases, treatment usually involves eye drops or ointment to treat inflammation. In more serious cases, treatment can involve surgical removal of the pterygium.

Treatment – Medications and Surgery

A pterygium usually doesn’t require any treatment unless it is blocking the vision or causing severe discomfort. Your eye doctor might want to check your eyes occasionally to see if the growth is causing vision problems.

If the Pterygium is causing a lot of irritation or redness, then eye drops or eye ointments to reduce inflammation are recommended.

Surgery is recommended to remove the Pterygium, if eye drops or ointments does not provide relief. Surgery is also done when a pterygium causes a loss of vision or a condition called astigmatism, which can result in blurry vision. Surgical procedures are also recommended if the pterygium need to be removed for cosmetic reasons.