What is Pterygium?

The cause of Pterygium

• Frequent exposure to strong sunlight (ultraviolet) that hits the eyes.
• Environmental pollution and dusty and windy environment.
• Especially tropical residents.
• Aging.

Symptoms of Pterygium

• Hot flashes in the eyes and irritated eyes
• Red eyes on the mucous membranes.
• Conjunctivitis (in cases where the ciliary membrane grows large and thick on the lens of the eye or grows on the bride).
• Tears.
• Loss of day or light.
• If it spreads until the cornea changes, it can lead to astigmatism.

The Prevention of Pterygium

To prevent the occurrence or to reduce the risk of Pterygium occurring, the following measures are recommended:

• Use UV protection glasses.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat that glows brightly when going out.
• Avoid exposure to the environment, smoke, dust, air, and toxic chemicals.
• Use appropriate eye safety equipment in the work environment.
• Do not smoke and practice good hygiene for eye health.
• Especially consult an ophthalmologist if you have eye problems.

Treatment of Pterygium

We usually do not need treatment unless there is inflammation or irritation or discomfort in the eye that can be treated with artificial tears and short-term anti-inflammatory drugs.

Surgery for pterygium does not lead to complications and the duration of treatment is short, about 3 or 4 weeks. The treatment varies depending on the symptoms and the level of the mucous membrane.

The thing to watch out for is that improper surgery can increase the rate of Pterygium.

There are two treatments:

Bare Sclera technique, removes the pterygium tissue without replacing it with a tissue graft. This leaves the underlying white of the eye exposed to heal on its own, but the recurrence rate is about 60%.

Conjuntival auto-grafting,grow new tissue by touching the conjunctiva under the eyelid, but the recurrence rate is about 10%.

Patients should consult with a specialist to choose the right surgery.

After surgery, you should eat a lot of foods rich in vitamins and wear glasses for those who work in the sun, especially those who work instead of welding.