Pterygium is a tissue growth, usually triangular in shape, that forms on the sclera, the white part of the eye, and grows towards the cornea. Excessive exposure to UV rays and being in windy or dusty environments can cause eye inflammation. The treatment is usually surgical and the conjunctival autograft technique is used.
Pterygium Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
“Pterygium” disease, popularly known as “flesh walking on the eye”, occurs when the flesh tissue called conjunctiva moves from the white part towards the cornea layer, which is the transparent layer of the eye.
It is more common in people who work outdoors and are exposed to UV rays. In Turkey it is between 2 and 4%.
What Causes Pterygium?
In addition to environmental factors that irritate the eye surface such as excessive exposure to UV rays, wind, dust, sand, cigarette smoke, dry air, genetic and traumatic factors also cause the formation of eyelids (pterygium).
What are the Symptoms of Pterygium?
There may be no symptoms of pterygium in the very early stages, but over time;
- Burning or itching sensation in the eye.
- Eye redness.
- Eye watering.
- Blurring of the visual field.
- It causes complaints such as visual impairment.
Additionally, the eyelid that progresses towards the corneal tissue may cause astigmatism.
What should be taken into consideration to avoid pterygium formation?
To prevent eyelid (pterygium) formation;
- It should be protected from the sun with sunglasses.
- Protective glasses should be worn.
- Very dusty, windy etc. environments should be avoided.
- If we are in environments that disturb the eyes, tear drops should be used occasionally.
How is Eyelid (Pterygium) Treated?
Pterygium is not a disease that can be treated with medication.
If the eyelid (pterygium) is small and has no symptoms in the very early stages, its growth is monitored with regular eye examinations. Tear drops or artificial tears recommended by the physician can be used to reduce inflammation.
If pterygium progresses, surgical intervention is required. Conjunctival autograft method is generally used for the treatment of eyelid (pterygium). Conjunctival autograft method is a safe and effective technique.
In the treatment of pterygium, the flesh on the cornea, which is the transparent layer of the eye, is cleaned using the conjunctival autograft method, and the patch tissue taken from the conjunctiva is placed seamlessly on the cleaned area using the bonding technique.
The surgery takes approximately 15-20 minutes under local anesthesia. After pterygium surgery, the patient’s eye is closed for 24 hours. During this period, there may be slight discomfort, burning or watering sensation in the eye. This is usually normal and decreases over time.
Eye swelling and redness may occur in the first week. Patients can return to normal daily life within a week after pterygium surgery. It may take 1 to 6 months for the eye to heal completely.
In the tissue adhesive conjunctival autograft technique, recurrence rates decrease to 1-2%, and since no stitches are used, the patient’s discomfort after the surgery is significantly reduced.
Since the eye flesh (pterygium) tissue is completely cleaned after the surgery, special drops are used to accelerate the healing of that area, and to prevent a recurrence, sunglasses against UV rays, dusty or windy weather, etc. are used. It is recommended to use protective glasses in these environments.
It is necessary to have regular medical check-ups after the surgery and to monitor the healing process.