Explaining Pterygium to a Patient
A pterygium (also known as surfer's eye) is a triangular growth of fibrovascular tissue that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea, often caused by ultraviolet light exposure.
What Is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that appears as a wedge-shaped tissue extending from the white part of your eye (conjunctiva) onto the clear front surface (cornea). It has several key characteristics:
- Appears as a pinkish, triangular or wing-shaped growth
- Most commonly develops on the nasal (inner) side of the eye
- Can occur in one or both eyes
- Often has visible small blood vessels
Causes
The primary causes of pterygium include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure: This is the most significant risk factor 1, 2
- Environmental factors: Exposure to dust, wind, and dry conditions
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more susceptible
This explains why pterygium is sometimes called "surfer's eye" and is more common in people who spend significant time outdoors in sunny environments 2.
Symptoms
Patients with pterygium may experience:
- Early stages: Often asymptomatic or mild irritation
- As it grows:
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Redness
- Foreign body sensation
- Tearing
- Advanced stages:
- Visual disturbances due to astigmatism
- Reduced vision if it grows toward the center of the cornea
Progression and Complications
A pterygium may:
- Remain stable for years
- Slowly grow toward the center of the cornea
- Cause irregular astigmatism affecting vision 1
- In advanced cases, obstruct the visual axis
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptoms and progression:
For mild cases with minimal symptoms:
- Preservative-free artificial tears for lubrication
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Avoiding environmental triggers
For more symptomatic cases:
- Short courses of anti-inflammatory eye drops may help reduce inflammation
Surgical removal is recommended when the pterygium:
- Affects vision
- Causes significant astigmatism
- Threatens to grow into the visual axis
- Creates persistent discomfort 3
Modern surgical techniques include conjunctival autografting to reduce recurrence rates. After surgery, consistent use of preservative-free artificial tears, topical steroids, and long-term UV protection is important to prevent recurrence 3.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of developing pterygium or prevent progression:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors
- Use a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection
- Apply artificial tears in dry or dusty conditions
- Limit exposure to environmental irritants
Follow-up Care
Regular eye examinations are important to monitor:
- Growth rate of existing pterygium
- Development of astigmatism
- Any changes in vision
Remember that early intervention and proper eye protection are key to managing this condition effectively.