PTERYGIUM

Pterygium is a condition affecting the conjunctiva.It is a fleshy growth visible as a triangular, pinkish mass on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye). When the growth becomes large, it may threaten the vision. Pterygium occurs due to environmental factors (like wind, dust and the ultraviolet rays of the Sun).

• Foreign body sensation: A persistent feeling that something is stuck in your eye. 

• Redness and inflammation: The eye appears bloodshot and irritated, especially after exposure to sun or wind. 

• Dryness: The growth can interfere with the tear film, leading to dry eye symptoms. 

• Excessive tearing: The eye may water more than usual in response to irritation. 

• Itching or burning: A sensation of itching or burning in the affected eye. 

• Blurry or distorted vision: If the pterygium grows onto the cornea, cause blurry  vision. 

• Light sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. 

• Reduced vision: In advanced cases, the growth can cover the pupil and obstruct the visual axis, leading to significant vision loss. 

• Discomfort with contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses may become uncomfortable. 

• Slit Lamp Examination: This is the primary diagnostic tool. A slit lamp is a specialized binocular microscope that provides a magnified view of the eye, allowing an eye care provider to see the fleshy growth on the conjunctiva and assess its size, inflammation, and potential impact on the cornea. 

• Visual Acuity Test: This test measures how well you can see at a distance. A pterygium can cause blurry vision or astigmatism, so this test helps determine the extent to which the growth is impacting your sight. 

• Corneal Topography: This is a computer-based imaging technique that creates a 3D map of the cornea's surface. It is used to identify and measure any distortions to the cornea caused by the pterygium, which can explain vision problems.

• UV radiation: Long-term exposure to the sun's UV light is the most significant cause. 

• Environmental irritants: Living in or working in hot, dry, and windy climates with dust is a major contributor. 

• Age: The risk of developing a pterygium increases as you get older. 

• Occupation and lifestyle: Those with outdoor jobs or who spend a lot of time outdoors are at higher risk. 

• Genetics: A family history of pterygium may increase your risk. 

• No treatment is required in most cases

• Conservative line of treatment

* Medicines: When the eye gets red or painful, drops or ointment can be used.

* Precautions against growth of Pterygium:

Use of goggles when outdoors

Use of helmet against wind and dust

Use of lubricating eye drops for dry eyes

• Surgical treatmentWhen Pterygium threatens the vision or creates discomfort then it can be removed surgically. In some cases, especially in youth, Pterygium is removed for cosmetic reasons.

• Conventional Method Of Pterygium Excision: In this method, Pterygium, which is the thick and bulging part of the conjuctiva, is cut with micro instruments. The portion of eye from where Pterygium is removed is kept uncovered. This uncovered patch is believed to be the prime reason for recurrence of Pterygium, the chance of which is 30 to 35% (30 to 35 patients out of 100 undergoing operation).

• The Newer Plastic Surgery Method Of Pterygium Treatment: This is a scientifically new and  better method. It is done in two parts which are carried out in the same sitting. In the first part Pterygium is excised using the conventional method. In the second stage grafting is done on the uncovered portion of the eye. For this the skin from the unaffected part of the same eye is grafted using either sutures or biological glue. This grafting works like stem cell transplantation so that the chances of recurrence are only 7 to 10% (7 to 10 patients out of 100 undergoing operation).