A Pterygium conjuctiva is a benign, growth of the tissue that lays over the white of the eye. It typically arises from the clear, conjunctival tissue and may extend onto the cornea. Although the cause is unknown, it is more commonly found in people with excess outdoor exposure to sunlight and dust in windblown areas. Individuals who work outdoors or engage in outdoor activities, such as fishermen and golfers, are more susceptible.
Pterygium Symptoms
The symptoms of pterygium vary from person to person, while generally most pterygia do not cause problems and can be left alone. Although in some cases, symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- irritation
- persistent redness
- inflammation
- dryness
- itching
- burning
- a feeling of a foreign body sensation
In advanced cases of pterygium, the growth may affect vision as it extends onto the cornea with potential of induced astigmatism and cornal scarring.
Treatment
In most cases, with the absence of symptoms, treatment is not necessary . If the pterygium begins to cause discomfort and irritation, the progression should be monitored. Depending on the level of severity, conservative treatment such as artificial tears or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops maybe used to alleviate symptoms. However, there is no medical treatment that reduces or prevents further growth of the pterygium.
Pterygium removal surgery should be considered for the following resons:
- If symptoms persist and are no longer affected by conservative treatment.
- If the growth invades the cornea towards the pupil, obstructing vision.
- For cosmetic reasons, when the pterygium becomes unsightly.
Traditional Surgical Treatment
In the past surgical treatment has been challenging with the high rates of pterygium regrowth. However, over the years, the advancement of surgical techniques has significantly reduced the likelihood of recurrence. Modern procedures utilized by ours surgeons have optimized the outcome, but it is important to realize that it may not be completely eliminated.
In conventional Pterygium Bare Slcera surgery, the abnormal tissue is removed, leaving part of the eye without a protective coat. The tissue is then expected to heal properly and grow to cover the once affected area. Unfortunately, this approach yielded high rates of re-growth with lengthy recovery time required.
Alternatively, our surgeons have adopted advanced procedures utilizing Auto-graphing, Amniotic membrane grafting, or Removal with interoperative Mitomyocin C. After a comprehensive evaluation, our doctors can find the optimal surgical solution for each patient.
Autograft Surgery
After the pterygium has been removed, a graft is painlessly taken from the underneath portion of the upper eyelid and attached by using Tisseel Glue. Tisseel glue is a transparent tissue adhesive made from naturally occuring clotting proteins that reduces discomfort. The auto-graph tissue, or self-transplant, aids in speeding up the healing process.
Amniotic Membrane Grafting Surgery
Following pterygium removal, it is replaced with an amniotic membrane graft. Amniotic membrane is acquired from the innermost tissue that envelopes the fetus in the womb during pregnancy. This tissue is found to have properties that exhibit better healing and protection.
Interoperative Mitomycin-C
With this method, suceeding pterygium excision, Mitomycin-C is topically applied inter-operatively. Mitomycin-C is an antibiotic that is radiomimetic in its actions, which aids in inhibiting the regrowth of the pterygium tissue.
If you are suffering from pterygium, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.