Pterygium, popularly known as “eye flesh”, is a tissue growth that usually starts from the white part of the eye and progresses towards the cornea. It is especially common outdoors, in people who are exposed to the sun or dust. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about pterygium and the treatment process.
1. What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is an abnormal tissue growth that begins in the white part of the eye (sclera) and progresses towards the cornea. It usually occurs in people who are overexposed to sun, wind or dusty environments. Pterygium can cause visual impairment in some cases.
2. Eyelid – What are the Symptoms of Pterygium?
The main symptoms of pterygium are:
- Eye redness and irritation,
- Burning or stinging sensation,
- Dryness,
- Blurred or distorted vision when it grows into the visual field.
These symptoms often require treatment when they become bothersome.
3. Eyelid – Why Does Pterygium Occur?
Although the cause of pterygium is not known exactly, it is thought to be the effect of long-term exposure to UV rays of the sun, wind and dusty environments. That’s why it’s more common in people who work outdoors or are exposed to the sun for long periods of time without UV protection.
4. Eyelid – What Happens If Pterygium Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, pterygium can grow and spread to the cornea and affect the visual field. It can also cause constant eye irritation and discomfort. It is important to treat it as it can obstruct vision in advanced cases.
5. Eyelid – What are the Pterygium Treatment Methods?
The first stage in pterygium treatment is drug treatments such as eye drops and artificial tears to reduce the patient’s complaints. However, if pterygium is advanced or affects the quality of vision, surgical intervention may be required.
6. Eyelid – How is Pterygium Surgery Performed?
In pterygium surgery, the growing tissue in the eye is carefully removed and the removed area is covered with healthy tissue. In this procedure, conjunctival tissue taken from another part of the eye is usually used. This method is called autograft and is preferred to reduce the risk of recurrence.
7. Is Eyelid – Pterygium Surgery a Painful Procedure?
Local anesthesia is applied during the surgery, so the patient does not feel any pain. There may be a slight discomfort or stinging sensation after surgery, but these sensations are temporary and controlled with prescribed medications.
8. Eyelid – Does Pterygium Recur?
Yes, there is a risk of recurrence after pterygium surgery. However, the autograft method and other modern techniques applied during surgery significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. Additionally, paying attention to sun protection measures can also reduce the risk of recurrence.
9. How Long Does Eyelid – Pterygium Surgery Take?
Pterygium surgery usually takes between 30-45 minutes. However, with the preparation and recovery process, a few hours can be spent in the clinic.
10. Eyelid – What Should Be Considered After Pterygium Surgery?
In the postoperative period, the drops recommended by the doctor should be used regularly and eye hygiene should be observed. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and avoiding dusty environments will support the healing process.
11. Eyelid – What Can Be Done to Prevent the Development of Pterygium?
To reduce the risk of pterygium, it is useful to use UV-protected sunglasses and avoid windy and dusty environments. It is especially important for people working outdoors to protect their eyes.
12. To whom is Eyelid – Pterygium Surgery Applied?
Pterygium surgery is recommended when pterygium tissue affects the visual field or threatens the patient’s eye health. Surgery may also be preferred for aesthetic reasons, especially when it causes significant redness or eye discomfort.
13. Eyelid – Will Vision Improve After Pterygium Surgery?
Vision usually improves after surgery, especially if pterygium tissue has grown to obstruct vision. However, it may take several weeks for full recovery and for the eye to regain its natural appearance.
14. Eye Flesh – Will There Be a Scar on the Eye After Pterygium Surgery?
A slight scar may remain after pterygium surgery, but this is usually not noticeable. With a well-done autograft application, the natural appearance of the eye is largely preserved.
15. Eyelid – What is the Difference Between Pterygium and Pinguecula?
Pinguecula is tissue that grows in the eye, like pterygium, but it does not progress towards the cornea. It usually has a yellowish color and does not affect the visual field. Pterygium, on the other hand, can grow and spread to the cornea and affect the quality of vision.
In this blog article, we aimed to ensure that our potential patients have access to accurate information by answering the most frequently asked questions about Eyelid – Pterygium treatment. You can contact our clinic for the most accurate diagnosis, diagnosis and treatments for your eye treatments.
Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Lasik/Laser Eye Surgeon Op. Dr. Ömer TAKEŞ
Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Lasik/Laser Eye Surgeon Op. Dr. Ömer TAKEŞ, at the Private Eye Health, Diseases and Surgery Practice in Alsancak, Izmir; Cataract, Smart Lens; Trifocal Lens, Laser Surgeries; It serves its patients in Femto-Lasik, Relex Smile, PRK, Lasek, No Touch-Laser, ICL Surgery, Pterygium Surgery, Vitreoretinal Surgery and Eyelid Aesthetics.
Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. Ömer Takeş Eye Clinic offers treatment to patients coming from many cities in the Aegean region, especially Izmir, due to its central location in Alsancak, the apple of the eye of Izmir. In addition, it provides both eye treatments and health tourism services to its patients coming from abroad within the scope of health tourism.
Op. Dr. Ömer Takeş has more than 50 national and international publications, proceedings and clinical studies. Op. Dr. Ömer Takeş Eye Clinic provides patient satisfaction-oriented service by prioritizing patient health.