Pterygium is a benign growth on the eye caused by exposure to UV radiation and dry, dusty environments. It can be managed with steroids and lubricating drops, but surgery may be necessary. Prevention includes wearing sunglasses and a hat, and using moisturizing eye drops.
A pterygium is a benign growth on the eye that protrudes from the conjunctiva and slowly spreads to the cornea. Some patients have no problems with these growths, because they grow slowly and remain confined to the sclera or white of the eye, while other patients have darkened vision when a pterygium grows on the cornea. Pingueculas are another example of benign eye growths that tend to occur under similar circumstances as those that contribute to the formation of a pterygium.
When this condition develops, it usually starts on the side of the eye near the nose, as a triangular wedge. It is fed by the capillaries that supply blood to the eye and conjunctiva, and successive layers of collagen and other materials are deposited to create a wedge-shaped growth. The patient may see the growth in the mirror, or notice that he or she regularly experiences eye irritation as if there is a foreign body in the eye, long before the growth obscures vision.
While the name sounds exotic, a pterygium is actually not very rare. These growths appear when the eyes are stressed from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and when people live in dry, dusty areas. Patients can reduce the risk of developing pterygia and pinguecula by wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes and applying moisturizing eye drops if they live in dry or dusty climates. Protecting your eyes with a wide-brimmed hat is also recommended, and a hat can also reduce sun damage to the scalp and face.
If a growth is identified, a doctor may wait and see approach to see what happens. The growth can be managed with steroids to reduce inflammation and lubricating drops to reduce eye irritation. In case the growth becomes a problem, surgery can be done to remove it. Because the growths are prone to recur, a doctor may recommend follow-up medications and preventative care, and the doctor may also perform a tissue graft designed to discourage the pterygium from recurring.
A pterygium isn’t the only thing that can happen to eyes damaged by UV radiation. People with light eyes are prone to developing vision problems if they are regularly exposed to bright light and people with darker eyes are still at risk of vision problems and problems such as skin cancers caused by light exposure solar. Sunscreen will help preserve your eyes and the rest of your body so they last a lifetime.
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