Pterygium

A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of the thin tissue that lays over the white part of the eye (conjunctiva). One or both eyes may be involved.

The principal cause is ultraviolet (U.V.) exposure which is more common in people who do not wear wraparound sunglasses during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Other risk factors include exposure to windblown particles, individual variations in the shape of eye, and genetically determined differences in the concentrations of chemicals in the tears. Farmers, fishermen, and people living near the equator are often affected. Pterygium is rare in children.

The primary symptom of a pterygium is a an elevated growth extending from the white of the eye towards the pupil.

Indications for pterygium surgery include persistent redness or discomfort, a pterygium induced astigmatism, or in severe cases obstruction of the pupil – but if removal is left till the pupil is overgrown then it is frequently too late to obtain a good visual result.