General Information About Pterygium
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the triangular thickening of the pinkish fleshy tissue (conjunctiva) in the inner corner of the eye, extending towards the clear front window of the eye (cornea) and the pupil.
The two are often confused by the public. A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye and is difficult to see from the outside. Pterygium, on the other hand, is a blood-filled layer of tissue entirely on the outer surface of the eye that can be seen when looking in the mirror.
The biggest culprit is long-term unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is also very commonly seen in farmers or sailors who are constantly exposed to wind, dust, and sand.
Initially, it only causes aesthetic redness and burning in the eye. However, as it grows and pulls on the cornea, it induces high astigmatism; if it covers the pupil, it completely obstructs vision.
No. No eye drop can melt away or eliminate a tissue that has grown and settled onto the cornea. Drops are only used to alleviate redness and the sensation of a foreign body.
If a pterygium is simply cut out, it often grows back more aggressively (recurs) in a short time. Therefore, in modern surgery, after the pterygium is scraped off, a healthy piece of conjunctival tissue taken from under the upper eyelid is glued to the area (Autograft method), reducing the risk of recurrence to near zero.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
