Pterygium
A pterygium is the name of this benign fibrovascular growth that extends from the conjunctiva across the limbus onto the cornea, and when it occurs on the left eye, it is simply called a "pterygium of the left eye." 1, 2
Definition and Characteristics
Pterygium is a bulbar conjunctival fibrovascular growth that crosses the limbus and extends onto the peripheral cornea, potentially causing significant visual complications in advanced cases 1
The condition is characterized by degenerative fibrovascular proliferation of conjunctival tissue over the corneal surface 2
It appears as a triangular or wing-shaped growth, typically originating from the nasal side of the eye, though it can occur temporally as well 1, 2
Clinical Significance
Sun exposure at work (e.g., farming, construction) or leisure activities (e.g., boating, golfing) is directly related to pterygium development, making UV radiation the most important triggering factor 3, 1
The prevalence ranges from 1.2% to 40% in different parts of the world, with higher rates in regions with greater UV exposure 1
Beyond cosmetic concerns, pterygium can cause eye irritation, corneal astigmatism, disruption of corneal transparency, and vision impairment when it extends toward the visual axis 1, 2
Potential Complications
Diplopia (double vision) can occur as a complication of pterygium surgery due to damage to the medial rectus muscle or scarring 4, 5
Strabismus, including exotropia from medial rectus damage or esotropic restrictive strabismus from scarring, represents a potential surgical complication 3, 4, 5
Florid scarring associated with recurrence can cause ocular motility problems 4, 5
The use of topical anesthesia rather than retrobulbar anesthesia reduces the risk of postoperative diplopia 4, 5