Also known as surfer’s eye, a pterygium is not an uncommon finding during a routine eye exam, particularly among those who love the surf and sun. This triangular growth of tissue originates from the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the whites (sclera) of your eye. Pterygia are similar to pingueculae, another whitish-yellow growth on the conjunctiva, but differ in that a pterygium creeps over the clear cornea while a pinguecula keeps to itself on the whites of the eye. Both pterygia and pingueculae are benign and non-cancerous, and in most cases, are quiet and well-behaved – though not always.
Symptoms of a Pterygium
The word pterygium is derived from the Greek for wing (pterygos), thanks to its triangular wing shape.
Many patients are unaware that they are sporting a pterygium at all, especially in the early days when the pterygium is small. Pterygia are most common on the inner nose-side of the sclera but can also grow on the outer ear-side of the eye. They can also be present on both eyes at the same time, in asymmetrical degrees, and on both the nose- and ear-sides of the eye simultaneously.
It is not overly common to have a symptomatic pterygium, especially in Western countries where they are diagnosed and treated relatively early compared to developing nations lacking adequate access to eyecare. Nonetheless, you may find your pterygium can be associated with:
- Redness in the area of the growth
- Eye irritation, burning, or a foreign particle sensation
- Blurred or distorted vision from induced astigmatism
Certain situations can exacerbate the irritation and redness, such as if it’s a dry, hot, or windy environment. In addition to UV exposure, these environmental conditions have been identified as the culprits for the development and progression of pterygia. You can read more about the risk factors for pterygia here.
Visual disturbances occur if the pterygium is allowed to creep far enough over the cornea. As the growth inches towards the pupil, the more your vision is likely to be affected. Astigmatism refers to a type of refractive error, when light isn’t focused to a sharp point on the retina at the back of the eye, leading to imperfect vision. Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error, and can be found alongside far-sightedness and near-sightedness, even without the presence of a pterygium. You may suspect you have astigmatic changes to your sight if you’re experiencing:
- Blurred, doubled, or distorted vision
- Flaring of lights and glare sensitivity
- Headaches during visual tasks
Managing a Symptomatic Pterygium
In many cases, a red, irritated pterygium will calm down with a bit of time and removing any triggering factors, such as sitting too close to an open fire or wandering the hot desert. You can consider using lubricating eye drops to soothe and protect the surface of the eye; some people also find a cool compress over closed eyes to be relieving. If the irritation and redness is significant, your eyecare professional may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication, such as a steroid eye drop to manage the inflammation.
In the situation of a pterygium that is beginning to bother your vision or one that is persistently irritated, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery. Pterygium removal involves surgically peeling away the offending overgrowth and, in most cases, covering the site with a transplanted piece of tissue to aid recovery and reduce recurrence. This tissue may be a conjunctival graft from another part of your eye or a piece of amniotic membrane, derived from placental tissue.
Despite advances in pterygium treatment, there is still a low possibility of the pterygium growing again. You can protect your eyes by:
- Wearing UV protection, such as sunglasses and a hat
- Managing pre-existing dry eyes with techniques such as lubricant drops, warm compresses, or other in-office treatments as recommended by your eyecare professional
- Protecting your eyes from irritants such as dust and arid wind
Pterygia are no life-threatening condition but can still be a nuisance. You can reduce your risk of encountering one by taking the steps mentioned above and be sure to have regular eye tests to monitor for any pterygium growth and progression.
If you believe you are suffering from a pterygium, contact Franz Michel, M.D and request an appointment today!