Eye Disease
Pterygia
Excision
A pterygium is a raised, triangular or wedge-shaped
growth of conjunctival tissue which grows over the surface
of the cornea (the transparent dome at the front of
the eye). It usually occurs on the nasal side of the
cornea. In the early stages only small grey opacities
at the junction of the cornea and the white of the eye
can be seen. The conjunctiva can then overgrow these
opacities and encroach on to the cornea in a triangular
fashion.
Pterygia typically develop in individuals who have been
living in hot, dry climates and may be a response to:
• Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet
rays
• Chronic irritation from the dry climate
There is often a family history so genetic factors,
perhaps due to the shape of the front of the eye may
play a role.
• Irritation
• Redness
• Tearing
• Astigmatism
• Reduced vision
Vision is only affected in a minority of cases when
the pterygium is very extensive and grows towards the
centre of the cornea, although they may induce changes
in astigmatism at an earlier stage.
