Pterygium
What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth on the cornea of the eye. This raised growth of connective tissue and normally begins at the inner corner and extends towards the center of the eye. A fleshy or pterygium is the result of an abnormal process of fleshy growth of the conjunctiva on the cornea.
The conjunctiva is a thin transparent mucous membrane that lines the back of the eyelid and the eyeball. The cornea is the transparent section of the eye that allows light to enter the eye. Because the cornea is transparent, what you see when you look at the cornea is the iris and the pupil. The conjunctiva normally extends from the back of the eyelid over the entire surface. Pterygium occurs when a fleshy growth of the conjunctiva begins to form on the cornea. A Pterygium can grow large enough to cause vision problems.
What is the cause of Pterygium?
The exact cause of Pterygium has not been fully defined. However, prolonged exposure to the sun (ultraviolet rays) and chronic irritation caused by a dry environment seem to contribute to its development. Pterygium occurs more often in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, and are frequently exposed to sun, wind, dust, or adverse weather conditions. In addition, Pterygium is three times more likely to develop in men than in women.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of pterygium are usually not serious, but can include blurred vision and eye irritation. Patients often complain of itching, burning, and a desire to scratch.
During periods of growth, the pterygium is swollen and registers a red color. The pterygium tends to progress slowly and, in many patients, stabilizes without causing problems. However, if the pterygium grows over the center of the cornea, vision is lost.
What is the treatment for Pterygium?
In the initial period, when the discomfort is mild, lubricating drops or artificial tears can be used to prevent dryness.
When the discomfort increases, it is necessary to remove the fleshiness by means of surgery since it can change the shape of the cornea and considerably affect vision.
Pterygium surgery is a simple procedure that is carried out in our facilities. Local anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye and fleshiness is removed. The new techniques of surgery for meatiness have reduced the possibility of the growth returning.
This type of surgery is generally very successful, but there may be some risk such as bleeding or infection, which is why it is very important to put yourself in the hands of an expert. We have developed advanced techniques to remove fleshiness that decreases the possibility of it returning, we also use the most advanced equipment.
