PTERYGIUM
A pterygium develops when part of the conjunctiva grows over the cornea. UV exposure is the main cause. Not all pterygiums need removal; however, surgical removal is indicated when they cause discomfort or affect the vision. This is usually done under general anaesthesia as a day procedure.
Pterygium may begin as pinguecula, a yellow growth that develops on the conjunctiva. Comprising tiny blood vessels, pterygium, a flesh-like membrane, overlaps the cornea and obstructs vision. The pressure from the pterygium elongates the eyeball and causes astigmatism, which is a refractive error due to the irregular alignment of the cornea.
Symptoms
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Eye pain
- Itchy eyes
- Bumps on the whites of the eye
- Redness in the affected area of the eye
- Hazy or unclear vision
Causes
Dry and windy conditions contribute to the occurrence of pterygium. Also, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a primary contributory factor. Generally, people who live in sunny areas are at greater risk of pterygium.
Dry eyes occur from a lack of tear production that causes a gritty feeling within the eyes. This gritty sensation feels as if something foreign like sand is stuck inside the eyes and provides a favourable environment for a pterygium to thrive.
Treatment
Eye drops relieve irritation in the eye due to pinguecula, but doctors prescribe steroid drops for swelling and inflammation within the eyes. A large growing pterygium that does not go away and causes eye pain necessitates surgical removal.
Followed by surgical removal of the pterygium, ophthalmologists use healthy conjunctiva tissue that they stitch using fibrin glue, a special type of adhesive that comprises clotting proteins, to the damaged part of the conjunctiva. Conjunctival autograft adhesion using fibrin glue reduces the recurrence of pterygium by less than ten per cent. Wearing protective sunglasses and taking the necessary precautions by preventing sand or dust from getting into the eyes reduces pterygium regrowth.
