Pterygium

Australia has one of the highest rates of pterygium in the world due to a number of environmental factors that contribute towards the condition, including high UV exposure, dry and dusty climate and the amount of time we tend to spend outdoors.

What is a pterygium?

A pterygium (pronounced ter-i-gee-um) is a common anterior segment disorder in which the conjunctiva begins to invade the cornea, appearing as a pale pink, wedge shaped growth from the white part of the eye towards the centre. It occurs most commonly at the inner corner of the eye and may lead to irritation which can cause discomfort.

Are pterygia dangerous?

In general, pterygia are not dangerous though if large, though they may begin obscuring your vision if they grow towards the visual axis.

More often, pterygia cause irritation, and may become red, sore and inflamed. Some people are bothered by the appearance of their pterygium, which may prompt them to seek treatment.

What treatments are available for pterygium?

Many pterygia require no treatment other than observation and the use of sunglasses to prevent further sun damage.

If irritation is the problem, regular lubrication may provide symptomatic relief. In the event of inflammation, a short course of topical steroids will improve or eliminate these symptoms.

When simple measures fail to control symptoms, patients are unhappy with the appearance, or a pterygium is impacting vision, surgery may be indicated.

Surgery involves removing the pterygium, excising an area of tissue around the site and closing the defect with a conjunctival graft to prevent the pterygium from returning. At our practice, pterygium surgery is performed by Dr Giles, Dr Heinecke, Dr Nonaka and Dr Steele.