What is a pterygium?  What is the treatment for pterygium?

A pterygium is conjunctival tissue growth that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea.  This growth is cause by ocular irritations, dry eyes, dusty environments, and UV exposure.  One will often have ocular irritation, dry eyes, contact lenses problems, eye redness and possibly decrease vision from a pterygium.   Overtime pterygium can grow causing the increase of symptoms and decrease in vision if the growth covers one’s visual axis.  Treatment includes decreasing exposure to the environmental elements, eye lubrication and possible surgical removal.

Treatment involves:

     Artificial tears as needed for dryness and irritation
     Sunglasses to limited UV exposure
     Antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medication can be prescribed by an eye doctor
     Surgical treatment, recurrences often occur after surgery (15%)