General Eye Conditions and Tests
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a wedge of thickened tissue that grows from the white of the eye onto the cornea, usually on the side nearest the nose. It is linked to lifelong exposure to sunlight, wind and dust. Many cause only irritation and redness. Treatment is considered when it is persistently inflamed, blurs vision or grows towards the centre of the cornea.
Why it happens
Ultraviolet light, dust and drying wind damage the surface tissue at the edge of the cornea, which responds by thickening and growing across it. It is common in people who work outdoors, and in hot, sunny and dusty climates. It is not a cancer, although any unusual growth on the eye is examined to be sure of the diagnosis.
Symptoms
- A visible fleshy area on the white of the eye, often triangular
- Redness that comes and goes, worse in dust, wind and sun
- Grittiness and dryness
- Astigmatism and blurring as it flattens the cornea
- Reduced vision if it reaches the centre of the cornea
Treatment
Mild cases are managed with sunglasses, a hat, lubricating drops and short courses of anti-inflammatory treatment when inflamed. Surgery is considered when there is persistent inflammation, significant astigmatism, cosmetic concern or growth threatening the visual axis.
Standard Eye Specialist Hospital performs pterygium removal with a conjunctival graft, where healthy tissue from under the upper lid is used to cover the bare area, which reduces the chance of regrowth compared with removal alone. Pterygium can still recur, sometimes more aggressively, which is why it is not removed simply because it is present.
Prevention
Wraparound sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and a wide brimmed hat reduce exposure, and lubricants reduce surface irritation. This matters both for preventing a pterygium and for reducing recurrence after surgery.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Rapid growth, a raised nodular or pigmented appearance, or bleeding, which needs assessment to exclude another diagnosis
- Reduced vision, significant pain or a white spot on the cornea
Frequently asked questions
- Can drops remove a pterygium?
- No. Drops reduce redness and irritation but cannot remove the tissue. Only surgery removes it.
- Is it the same as a cataract?
- No. A pterygium is on the surface of the eye and visible in the mirror. A cataract is inside the eye and cannot be seen from outside.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
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