A pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue that normally appears on the side of the eye near the nose. This fleshy growth usually stretches across the white part of the eye to cover part of the cornea. When this happens it can affect your vision. A pterygium may be caused by having dry eyes, overexposure to wind, dust, and ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
What are pterygium symptoms?
Symptoms, which can be mild or severe include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry, burning and itchy eyes. It may feel like grit or sand is stuck in your eye.
- Swelling and redness in the conjunctiva (surface of the eye), especially when the pterygium is developing.
How is it a pterygium treated?
Surgery is required to remove the pterygium from the cornea and sclera, which is the white part of the eye. Previously, after surgery there was a hole left in the conjunctiva where the pterygium was removed.
The Procedure
Surgery is minimally invasive and takes roughly 20-30 minutes. Prior to the procedure, you will receive light sedation to make sure you are comfortable. We will numb your eye. Though you will be mindful of your surroundings, you will not be able to see anything.
After the pterygium is removed, your physician will place a tissue graft in the area to prevent recurrence. The graft is typically secured using tissue glue. No sutures are required, and the surgery is painless. Because of the sedation, following treatment you will not be able to drive. You may fell a little groggy and will be prescribed pain medicine to take as needed.
Recovery
You eye will heal quickly. In fact, you should be able to go back to work in about two days. A week after surgery the tissue glue used to secure the graft will dissolve. It will take about two to four weeks for the redness and irritation to gradually subside.