Pterygium is the condition wherein there is a growth of a pinkish, triangular tissue on the cornea of the eye. Typically the growth is seen from the corner of the eye near the nose. The tissue grows slowly and in rare cases it grows large enough to cover the entire eye. The condition is usually seen in both the eyes.

This condition is highly prevalent in tropical countries, especially in India which has dry and desert like climates in most regions with Gujarat and Rajasthan being endemic to Pterygium.

Causes

The exact cause of Pterygium is unknown. However, this disease is associated with excessive exposure to wind, sand and sunlight, hence it is widely presumed that dry, hot and windy climates predisposes to Pterygium. Exposure to ultra-violet light is another contributory factor to this condition.

Symptoms

The common symptoms observed in Pterygium are persistent redness, inflammation, watering, dryness, itchiness and sensation of a foreign body present in the eye. In some cases, it has been observed that this disease can cause permanent damage to the vision. Whereas some patient may need to wear spectacles for visual disturbance.

Pterygium is also a cosmetic hindrance as the appearance of the eye clearly gives away the fact that the patient is unwell.

Diagnosis

Pterygium is usually diagnosed with a simple eye examination and does not need any specific pathological tests.

Treatment

There is no medical treatment which can reverse the condition of Pterygium. Eye drops are only prescribed for providing relief from the constant irritation and watering.

However, in cases where the condition grows to an extent wherein the visual problems start occurring or irritation-watering become excessive; surgery to remove the Pterygium tissue is recommended.

  • The steps involved in the surgery include:
  • The patient is placed under local anaesthesia.
  • Pterygium tissue is removed en-mass.
  • Healthy conjunctival tissue is harvested from the same eye and glued to the empty space.
  • A special surgical glue known as Fibrin glue is used to stick the conjunctiva tissue to the eye. This glue eliminates the need of any sutures or stitches.

Benefits of Pterygium Excision with Conjunctival Grafting are:

  • The initial healing takes place over 2 - 3 days and the patient starts experiencing comfort in the affected eyes.
  • The eyes start looking completely normal in about a month’s time.
  • A scar, the size of which varies from patient to patient is seen on the cornea. In most cases is not very heavy.
  • Patient is relieved of all irritation and watering as the regularity of the surface is restored. If the patient had any vision problems then the spectacle numbers also reduce thereby indicating improved visual quality.

The approach to the treatment for Pterygium is usually based on the severity of the condition. At Vibrant Eye Care, of doctors analyses the severity and prescribe a treatment plan which ensures that the patient firstly experiences an immediate relief from the symptoms and then the disease itself is cured completely.At Vibrant Eye Care surgery for this condition is always done with conjunctival grafting as this is the excepted norm world over and provides lasting and satisfactory outcome.

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