Pterygium: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
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A pterygium is a benign but sometimes bothersome growth of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye. It usually starts at the inner corner of the eye and slowly extends toward the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Although typically not dangerous, a pterygium can cause discomfort and, if it grows too much, lead to visual disturbances.
What Is a Pterygium?
Simply put, a pterygium is an abnormal overgrowth of the conjunctival tissue that may extend onto the cornea, giving the appearance of a wing or fin. Because of its distinct triangular shape, it is often referred to as “surfer’s eye,” a nickname that hints at its association with prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This condition is not cancerous, but if it encroaches upon the central cornea, it can disturb the normal curvature of the eye, leading to issues such as astigmatism and blurred vision.
While many people may not notice any symptoms at first, awareness of this condition is important for maintaining long-term eye health. Our cornea specialist encourage patients to learn about pterygium and its potential impact because early detection can help in managing symptoms and preserving vision.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of a pterygium can vary significantly from one person to another. Some individuals may have a small growth that causes little to no discomfort, while others might experience several noticeable symptoms. Here’s what you might encounter:
Common Causes and Contributing Factors
While the exact cause of pterygium remains partially understood, several key factors have been identified as significant contributors to its development:
How Pterygium Affects the Eye
Understanding the impact a pterygium can have on your eye is crucial for effective management. Even though pterygium rarely threatens overall eye health, persistent symptoms and visual disturbances warrant attention. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor the progression, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Although the growth itself is benign, its presence on the delicate ocular surface can have several consequences:
Conservative Management Strategies
Not every pterygium requires surgical removal. For those cases where the growth causes minimal symptoms, several conservative strategies can help manage the condition and improve comfort:
What to Expect During
Pterygium Surgery
If surgery is recommended, understanding the process can ease any concerns you may have ahead of time. Pterygium surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia, meaning your eye will be numbed for a comfortable and largely painless experience. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved in the procedure:
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Pterygium Diagnosis & Treatment in Randolph & Wayne
At Advanced Eye Care Randolph and Wayne, our cornea specialists provide personalized, cutting-edge treatment for pterygium. We proudly serve patients from Morristown, Denville, Dover, Paterson, Clifton, and Passaic with comprehensive eye care. Please note, our practice locations are exclusively in Randolph and Wayne schedule your consultation today.
Providing Advanced Corneal Care in Randolph & Wayne
Wayne
Wayne, NJ 07470
Business Hours
Randolph
Randolph, NJ 07869
Business Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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