Pterygium (conjunctiva) is a noncancerous growth on the white of the eye that can extend to the pupil and affect vision. If left untreated, pterygium can continue to grow and result in an increase in symptoms.
Diagnosing and treating pterygium (conjunctiva) to prevent damage to patients’ vision and comfort level.
Pterygiums are believed to occur due to excessive exposure to sunlight, wind, and other outdoor elements, so it is more common to see them with individuals who spend large amounts of time outdoors.
Pterygium Symptoms
The symptoms of pterygiums include: eye redness, irritation, itching, burning, inflammation, blurring vision, and feeling like a foreign object is in the eye. If left untreated and growth continues, possible symptoms can include blindness, the restriction of eye movement and decreased vision.
Diagnosing Pterygium
Our board-certified ophthalmologists can diagnose a pterygium through a simple eye exam but treatment can be more complex, depending on the growth of the pterygium. Usually a pterygium does not need treatment and can be handled in a way to limit growth so that it does not affect the cornea. Ophthalmologists from our clinic often prescribe artificial tears or mild steroids to keep the eye from becoming inflamed in an effort to avoid stimulating growth.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Most patients are recommended to see their ophthalmologist once a year after diagnosis to monitor growth so that if treatment is required it can occur before vision is affected. The only permanent solution for a pterygium is to have it removed. A pterygium needs to be removed if it is growing on the cornea and affecting vision.
Contact our Las Vegas clinic if you’re worried that you might be suffering from a pterygium and set up an eye exam with one of our eye doctors.
