*हिन्दी में पढ़ें: टेरिजियम या नाखूना: लक्षण, कारण, और इसे कैसे हटाएं
Pterygium, also known as the surfer’s eye, is a fleshy, triangular-shaped growth that starts growing in the corner of your eye. Prolonged exposure to UV light is the primary cause of the growth. While it may not initially present clear symptoms, if it grows too much, it can irritate your eye and even affect your vision.
In this blog, we are going to discuss what a pterygium is, its symptoms, and effective treatment measures.
What Is a Pterygium?
A pterygium (pronounced: ter-IJ-ee-um) is a fleshy, raised growth that develops on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye) of your eye. The growth can appear white or pinkish and may have visible blood vessels inside it.
This growth generally starts in one corner of your eye and progresses towards your iris (the coloured part of your eye). It typically has a wing-like, triangular appearance. It is neither an invasive growth nor malignant (cancerous). However, if it continues to grow towards your cornea progressively, it can negatively impact your vision.
Pterygium Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms that can indicate the growth of a pterygium in your eye:
- Swelling and inflammation (conjunctivitis)
- Dry eye
- Excessively watery eye
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Itchy sensation
- Eye pain & burning
As and when the growth worsens, you may also notice:
- An increase in the spread and size of the pterygium
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses (excessive discomfort)
- Sudden changes in vision (blurred, distorted, or double vision)
Note: It’s important to note that not everyone might experience these symptoms. Some pterygiums tend to grow bigger in size, while others remain small – not affecting your vision.
Treatment for Pterygium
Your eye specialist will decide an appropriate course of treatment for you depending on the severity of the pterygium. If the growth isn’t causing any symptoms, it probably does not require treatment.
If it’s causing mild irritation to the eye, your doctor might prescribe:
- Over-the-counter ointments or eye drops
- Short course of steroid eye drops for extreme symptoms
Since the primary causes for the growth include prolonged exposure to sunlight (harmful UV rays), dust, and wind, your doctor might suggest wraparound anti-UV sunglasses or hats to prevent further damage.
How to Permanently Remove a Pterygium?
The only way to permanently get rid of a pterygium is eye surgery. If the growth significantly irritates your eye, is growing aggressively, or has begun to affect your vision, you will need to undergo surgery to remove it. That being said, many patients choose to undergo surgery for cosmetic reasons as well.
A pterygium surgery involves the removal of the abnormal growth from the eye’s surface and covering the hole left in the conjunctiva with other tissue. Your surgeon may either use a donated amniotic membrane tissue (from a placenta) or take a piece of conjunctiva tissue from somewhere else in your eye to cover the hole after removing the abnormal tissue.
The surgery takes about an hour. After the procedure, you will be required to wear an eye patch for a couple of days while your eye recovers. Complete recovery typically takes around 4-6 weeks. Post surgery, you will also be prescribed some antibiotics and steroid eye drops by your doctor.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You must visit a trusted eye doctor (a cornea specialist, to be specific) as soon as you notice an abnormal growth. The doctor will prescribe you eye drops or antibiotics and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the growth of the abnormal tissue.
You can book a checkup appointment at Sohana Eye Hospital to consult the best cornea doctor in Punjab.
Sohana Hospital has a team of over 16 highly experienced ophthalmologists and surgeons providing comprehensive eye care solutions. With cutting-edge diagnostic tools, advanced treatment facilities, and affordable prices, the hospital stands as a leading name in the eye care sector.
