*हिन्दी में पढ़ें: क्या टेरिजियम (नाखूना) आँखों की रोशनी को प्रभावित कर सकता है।
A pterygium is a raised, triangular, fleshy growth that develops on the surface of the eye. It is mainly caused by extensive exposure to harmful UV light. Now the question of the hour is – “Can pterygium cause astigmatism or other visual difficulties?”
In the initial stages, it can lead to symptoms such as eye irritation, swelling, redness, and watering. But as the growth progresses, it can lead to significant obstructions in your vision – making it blurry and distorted.
What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a pink, vascular growth that extends from the conjunctiva (the clear, thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) to the cornea. If the growth progresses towards the visual path, it can cause significant visual impairment.
A pterygium is mainly caused due to long hours of sun exposure, especially the harmful UV rays. Chronic eye irritation caused due to heavy winds, dust, etc., also contributes to the development of a pterygium. It is important to note that these are benign growths that are not cancerous – they do not spread to other body parts.
Can Pterygium Cause Astigmatism?
Yes, if a pterygium continues to grow towards your cornea and invades it, it can change the shape of the cornea’s surface, causing visual problems like astigmatism and other higher-order aberrations.
Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism typically accompanies other conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia).
How to Treat Pterygium?
A pterygium is typically not considered a cause for major concern, but when it starts affecting your vision or the overall quality of life, it becomes imperative to manage it with appropriate measures. Some treatment measures available at Sohana Hospital include:
- Anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops
- Surgery (in severe cases)
*Note: A pterygium can grow back even after it has been removed via surgery. Therefore, it is important to adhere to strict prevention techniques and safeguard your vision before it’s too late.
When to Visit a Doctor?
It is crucial to consult a doctor as soon as you start experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Eye inflammation & redness
- Gritty or burning sensation
- Irritation
- Feeling like a foreign object is lodged inside the eye
- Visual difficulties like blurred or distorted vision
Regardless of the degree of your symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as you notice these signs. Only a trusted ophthalmologist can help you understand and guide you regarding the correct course of treatment.
Sohana Hospital stands as one of the best eye care centres in the state. With a team of more than 16 eye specialists, the institute takes pride in providing expert care for every eye condition. The hospital’s world-class infrastructure, advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge treatment facilities, and ultra-modular OTs ensure every patient gets the highest quality of treatment at the most reasonable prices in the region.
So don’t wait, consult a cornea specialist today, and safeguard your vision for the long haul!
