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What is pterygium: A common eye condition that can blur vision
Pterygium is a wing-shaped conjunctival fold encroaching the cornea, common in hot, dry, dusty climates with sun exposure. It affects elderly outdoor workers, may cause astigmatism, and requires surgical treatment. Differentiation from pseudo-pterygium is essential. Recurrence is frequent, with postoperative drugs like mitomycin used to reduce regrowth and complications.
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Conjunctiva and cornea as important eye parts
The conjunctiva and the cornea are important parts of the eye’s surface, and have crucial functions. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyes, the sclera, and also lines the inner surface of the eyelids. (Image: Canva)
The conjunctiva and the cornea are important parts of the eye’s surface, and have crucial functions. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyes, the sclera, and also lines the inner surface of the eyelids. (Image: Canva)
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Definition of cornea and pterygium
The cornea is the clear part, present in the front surface of the eye. It is dome-shaped, and covers the iris and the pupil. A pterygium refers to a wing-shaped fold of the conjunctiva which encroaches upon the cornea. It may develop on either side within the eye.(Image: Canva)
The cornea is the clear part, present in the front surface of the eye. It is dome-shaped, and covers the iris and the pupil. A pterygium refers to a wing-shaped fold of the conjunctiva which encroaches upon the cornea. It may develop on either side within the eye.(Image: Canva)
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Role of climate and sun exposure
Pterygium is more commonly seen in people who live climates that are often hot. Prolonged exposure to sun may lead to the development of pterygium. The ultraviolet rays from the sun may play a role in the etiology of this condition. Dry heat can also contribute to this.(Image: Canva)
Pterygium is more commonly seen in people who live climates that are often hot. Prolonged exposure to sun may lead to the development of pterygium. The ultraviolet rays from the sun may play a role in the etiology of this condition. Dry heat can also contribute to this.(Image: Canva)
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Wind and dust as causes
High winds and an abundance of dust can also cause pterygium. The tissue under the conjunctiva undergoes degeneration, and begins to proliferate under the epithelium. Slowly, it starts to encroach upon the cornea, and destroys some of the layers.(Image: Canva)
High winds and an abundance of dust can also cause pterygium. The tissue under the conjunctiva undergoes degeneration, and begins to proliferate under the epithelium. Slowly, it starts to encroach upon the cornea, and destroys some of the layers.(Image: Canva)
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Common in elderly males
Pterygium is more commonly observed in elderly males, who are often involved in outdoor work. It may be present either in only one eye or in both eyes. It looks like triangular fold that gradually approached the cornea, and is seen on the nasal side more than the temporal side.(Image: Canva)
Pterygium is more commonly observed in elderly males, who are often involved in outdoor work. It may be present either in only one eye or in both eyes. It looks like triangular fold that gradually approached the cornea, and is seen on the nasal side more than the temporal side.(Image: Canva)
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Stocker’s line in pterygium
Sometimes, iron may get deposited in the epithelium of the cornea, in front of the head of the pterygium (the leading part). This is known as the stocker’s line. A pterygium may be progressive or regressive. A progressive pterygium is often thick and fleshy, and may have blood supply as well.(Image: Canva)
Sometimes, iron may get deposited in the epithelium of the cornea, in front of the head of the pterygium (the leading part). This is known as the stocker’s line. A pterygium may be progressive or regressive. A progressive pterygium is often thick and fleshy, and may have blood supply as well.(Image: Canva)
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Progressive versus regressive pterygium
On the other hand, a regressive pterygium is thin and atrophy, and does not have a lot of vasculature. In the early stages, a pterygium may not show any symptoms. Cosmetic reasons may urge people to visit the ophthalmologist, especially in the early stages of its development.(Image: Canva)
On the other hand, a regressive pterygium is thin and atrophy, and does not have a lot of vasculature. In the early stages, a pterygium may not show any symptoms. Cosmetic reasons may urge people to visit the ophthalmologist, especially in the early stages of its development.(Image: Canva)
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Visual disturbances due to corneal astigmatism
When the pterygium has encroached upon the cornea, it can produce visual disturbances. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the shape of this transparent structure becomes irregular, due to the encroachment of the pterygium. The uneven curvature does not allow light to focus adequately on the retina.(Image: Canva)
When the pterygium has encroached upon the cornea, it can produce visual disturbances. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the shape of this transparent structure becomes irregular, due to the encroachment of the pterygium. The uneven curvature does not allow light to focus adequately on the retina.(Image: Canva)
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Pseudo-pterygium differentiation
Pterygium must be differentiated from pseudo-pterygium, which issues a fold of bulbar conjunctiva that attaches to the cornea. It can occur any age, and may occur at any site in the eye. It is neither progressive nor regressive, and remains stationary. A probe can be passed under a pseudo-pterygium.(Image: Canva)
Pterygium must be differentiated from pseudo-pterygium, which issues a fold of bulbar conjunctiva that attaches to the cornea. It can occur any age, and may occur at any site in the eye. It is neither progressive nor regressive, and remains stationary. A probe can be passed under a pseudo-pterygium.(Image: Canva)
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Treatment and recurrence of pterygium
The treatment is usually surgical, and surgery may be performed either for cosmetic reasons, or because of the visual disturbances. Recurrence is seen in almost thirty to fifty percent of pterygium cases after surgery. Post-operative use of drugs like mitomycin may be recommended by the healthcare provider.(Image: Canva)
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
The treatment is usually surgical, and surgery may be performed either for cosmetic reasons, or because of the visual disturbances. Recurrence is seen in almost thirty to fifty percent of pterygium cases after surgery. Post-operative use of drugs like mitomycin may be recommended by the healthcare provider.(Image: Canva)
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
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