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Pterygium

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A pterygium is a benign growth on the surface of the eye, usually shaped like a small wedge or triangle. It often appears on the inner corner of the eye and may look yellow-white or pinkish. While harmless, a pterygium can cause discomfort such as redness, itching, or a gritty sensation. In some cases, it can grow large enough to interfere with vision.

The condition is most commonly linked to long-term sun exposure. People who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny, windy, or dusty environments—such as boaters, surfers, or landscapers—are more likely to develop pterygium. Wearing wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat can help lower your risk.

What Are the Symptoms of a Pterygium?

  • Redness
  • Burning or itching
  • Gritty sensation
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Blurred vision if the lesion grows over the cornea

While a pterygium may remain small and stable for years, it can sometimes enlarge and affect your sight.

Tests and Diagnosis

A pterygium is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Your ophthalmologist may use:

Slit-Lamp Exam

A bright light and magnification tool that lets your doctor examine the size and depth of the lesion.

Lab Testing (if needed)

In rare cases, a small sample may be analyzed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments

Eye Drops and Ointments

Mild cases often respond well to lubricating eye drops or ointments to reduce redness and irritation. If symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops for short-term relief of inflammation.

Surgical Removal

If the pterygium grows large enough to affect vision or causes significant discomfort, surgery may be recommended. In this outpatient procedure, the surgeon carefully removes the growth and fills the space with tissue from your own eye (conjunctiva) or a natural membrane to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

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FAQ

What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a fleshy, triangular growth on the cornea’s surface, often from UV exposure or wind/dust. It looks like a wing (Greek for ‘wing’) and can cause redness, irritation, or astigmatism if it grows over the pupil.
No, it’s benign and non-spreading, unlike pinguecula (yellowish spots nearby). But large ones can threaten vision, so monitoring is key.
Mild cases use lubricating drops and UV sunglasses. Surgery removes it if symptomatic, using grafts to prevent recurrence—outpatient, with quick recovery.

Low: infection, scarring, or regrowth (5-10%). Topical steroids speed healing. Most see improved comfort and cosmesis.

Wear wraparound sunglasses, hats in sunny/windy areas, avoid eye rubbing. Early treatment of dry eyes reduces irritation that worsens it.

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