A pterygium is a fleshy growth on the eye that invades the cornea, and which protrudes from the conjunctiva and slowly spreads across to the cornea. It is an abnormal process in which the conjunctiva (a membrane that covers the white of the eye) grows into the cornea. Some patients experience no problems with these growths, because they grow slowly and they stay confined to the sclera or white of the eye, while other patients experience obscured vision when a pterygium grows over the cornea. Pinguecula are another example of benign eye growth which tend to occur in circumstances similar to those which contribute to the formation of a pterygium.
When a pterygium develops, it usually starts on the side of the eye near the nose, as a triangular wedge. It is fed by the capillaries which supply blood to the eye and conjunctiva, and successive layers of collagen and other materials are laid down to create a wedge-like growth. The patient may see the pterygium in the mirror, or notice that he or she experiences regular eye irritation as though there is a foreign body in the eye, long before the growth obscures vision.
While the name sounds exotic, a pterygium is not actually very rare. These growths appear when the eyes are stressed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and when people live in dry, dusty areas. Patients can reduce the risk of developing pterygia and pinguecula by wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes, and applying moisturizing eye drops if they live in dry or dusty climates. Protecting the eyes with a brimmed hat is also advised, and a hat can reduce sun damage to the scalp and face as well.
If a pterygium is identified, a doctor may take a wait and see approach to see what happens. The growth may be manageable with steroids to reduce inflammation and lubricating drops to reduce eye irritation. In the event that the growth becomes a problem, surgery can be performed to remove it. Because the growths are prone to recurrence, a doctor may recommend follow up medication and preventative care, and the doctor may also perform a graft of tissue which is designed to discourage the recurrence of the pterygium.
A pterygium, pronounced with a silent P, is a fibrous, fleshy growth on the surface of the clear cornea, usually beginning on the inner aspect of the eye. A degenerative change in normally existing structures, it occurs most frequently in patients who are exposed to lots of sun, wind, dust, or harsh climates. Most commonly seen in the tropics and in areas of wide temperature swings, pterygia are also seen in temperate climates among individuals who work or spend much of their time outdoors. They are three times more common in men than women.
Dryness and exposure to ultraviolet light seem to be important factors in their development. They tend to be slowly progressive, but in many patients, pterygia stabilize and don’t seem to cause problems.
Sometimes patients mistake pterygia for cataracts, but cataracts form behind the colored part of the eye in the lens and are not easily seen with the naked eye as are pterygia.
Symptoms are not severe, but they may include blurred vision, irritation, complaints of dry eyes, (itching, a burning feeling, or a scratchy sensation). During times of growth, they appear swollen and red.
The best form of therapy is prevention, such as wearing hats and dark glasses or UV blocking glasses in bright sunshine. No treatment is necessary if the pterygium is not causing any noticeable problems or symptoms. Drops may aid the dryness and the intermittent inflammation associated with this condition.
If clear vision is threatened by the presence of a pterygium, surgical excision is indicated. Other indications for surgery are increasing astigmatism or the desire for removal for cosmetic reasons.
A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the white of the eye, most often on the side closest to the nose. It is not a tumor but an alteration of normal tissue resulting in a deposit of protein and fat. Unlike a pterygium, a pinguecula does not actually grow onto the cornea. A pinguecula may also be a response to chronic eye irritation or sunlight.
