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The following information on the treatment for pterygium is a great guide developed by respected New Zealand eye surgeon Malcolm McKellar. http://www.drmalcolmmckellar.co.nz/
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium (plural pterygia) is a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye. They start on the white of the eye, the sclera, and slowly grow out onto the clear cornea. They are a type of scar tissue and in most cases are caused by ultraviolet light.
How common are they?
Pterygia are common in countries like New Zealand, where ultraviolet levels are high and people spend a lot of time outdoors.
What problems do they cause?
The most common symptoms of pterygia include:
The look of the eye
Redness
Discomfort
Blurred vision
How is a pterygium diagnosed?
They are often noticed first by friends and family. The diagnosis can be confirmed by your optometrist or general practitioner. Troublesome or unusual cases should be reviewed by an eye specialist.
How is a pterygium treated?
How pterygia are managed depends on what problems they cause.
Self care
You can reduce the likelihood of the pterygium growing and make your eyes more comfortable by:
Wearing sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat whenever outside
Staying indoors when UV levels are high
Avoiding places where there is smoke, dust or air conditioning
Using artificial tears to moisturise your eye
Treating redness and swelling with decongestant eye drops
Medical treatment
Your optometrist, general practitioner or eye surgeon may prescribe steroid or non-steroidal eye drops. These treatments need close supervision.
Surgical treatment
In a small number of cases your pterygium may need to be removed:
If the eye looks unsightly
When the symptoms can not be controlled with eye drops
If it is threatening your vision
If there is a risk the growth may not be a pterygium
Pterygium surgery
Surgery to remove a pterygium is usually done as a day procedure using local anaesthetic. Once it has been removed a piece of tissue from beneath your upper eyelid is used to cover the area. This reduces the chances of the pterygium regrowing. After surgery anti-inflammatory drops keep the eye comfortable and prevent scar tissue from forming. You will be able to resume normal activities within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Are pterygia cancers?
No, although in rare cases surface tumours of the eye may look very similar
Can pterygia permanently damage my vision?
No, unless they are allowed to grow close to the pupil.
Can pterygia re-grow after surgery?
The chance of regrowth is approximately 1%
Is pterygium surgery painful?
Not usually, but patients are encouraged to take pain relieving tablets for a few days after surgery. The eye is often watery and sensitive to light for a few days. Sunglasses help keep the eye comfortable.
How do you say pterygium?
It is pronounced ter-ij-ee-um, or the plural is ter-ij-ee-ah.
Need more information?
This information does not cover all that is known about pterygia. If you have any questions regarding the treatment or pterygia please contact us info@boweneye.co.nz or phone us 0800 69 20 20.