Pterygium: why it grows, and how it is treated
Dr. Swati Goyal · 30 April 2024 · 6 min
Pterygium is a Greek word meaning wing. It is an overgrowth of the conjunctiva — the membrane covering the white of the eye — and it advances from the white towards the cornea, usually from the side nearest the nose.
Who is at risk
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People who spend a lot of time in the sun.
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People who already have dry eyes.
Symptoms
A pterygium can leave the eye swollen, red and gritty, and can blur the vision.
The tests
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Photo documentation — serial photographs show whether the growth is changing in size, and whether it is reaching the cornea.
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Visual acuity. Once the growth reaches the cornea it distorts its curvature, which can blur vision and later cause double vision.
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Corneal topography — a map of the corneal surface.
Treatment
Early on a pterygium is managed with lubricating and anti-allergic drops. But if the symptoms do not settle despite medication, or the growth keeps enlarging, surgical options are considered.
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Removal, followed by treatment with mitomycin C.
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A conjunctival graft — membrane taken from the patient’s own eye, or the other eye, is used to cover the bare area.
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An amniotic membrane graft — the innermost layer of the placenta is used to cover the area.
These techniques are used because the risk of a pterygium coming back is high. Simply removing it is not enough — the surgery has to be planned so that it does not return.
If you have a pterygium there is no need to be alarmed — see your eye specialist, and keep it under review.