The condition pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is characterized by the growth of non-cancerous triangular-shaped tissue on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white portion of the eye. For proper management and prevention of complications, it is essential to understand pterygium causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Pterygium is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:
Sunlight exposure for a prolonged period of time.
Dust, wind, or dry eye syndrome can cause chronic irritation.
Pterygium tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role.
In its early stages, pterygium may not cause symptoms, but as it progresses, individuals may experience:
Inflammation and redness of the affected eye.
Feelings of itchiness or burning.
The growth may cause blurred vision if it encroaches on the cornea.
The sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
An eye care professional typically performs a comprehensive eye examination when diagnosing pterygium. This may include:
Assessment of vision through visual acuity testing.
Examining the front of the eye with a slit lamp.
Assessing the extent and severity of the pterygium growth.
Pterygium treatment options vary based on the severity of symptoms and extent of growth. Common approaches include:
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation.
Reduce inflammation with topical corticosteroid eye drops.
The pterygium can be surgically removed if it causes significant symptoms or impairs vision.
During surgery, conjunctival autografting or amniotic membrane transplantation may be performed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
A person's risk of developing pterygium can be reduced by taking the following steps:
When outdoors, especially when it's sunny or windy, wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses with UV protection.
To reduce irritation and keep the eyes moist, use lubricating eye drops.
Avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation and environmental irritants during prolonged outdoor activities.
