Pterygium

Pterygium, or in its synonymous name eye wart, is a benign growth that develops on the surface of the eye in a reddish or pinkish form. The condition is caused by tissue growth over the cornea that can cover part of the eye and cause vision disturbances. The pterygium appears as a thick and fleshy membrane that spreads over the cornea. Its aesthetic and functional effects can be particularly significant in cases where it affects vision ability.

The exact causes of pterygium formation are not fully known, but there are several clear factors that contribute to its development. One of the main factors is prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun, which accelerates tissue growth. Furthermore, people exposed to working conditions with dust, sand, and wind are also at increased risk of developing pterygium. Additionally, smoking has been found to be a factor in the development of pterygium.

Pterygium can cause a variety of symptoms that affect quality of life, both functionally and aesthetically. Functionally, pterygium leads to redness and discomfort in the eye, with symptoms such as dryness, foreign body sensation, and burning sensation, which can limit comfort and cause irritation and tears. In advanced cases, growth of the lesion towards the cornea can distort its shape and cause astigmatism (cylinder), and even lead to vision disturbances such as blurring and permanent scars on the cornea. Additionally, pterygium can make it difficult to wear contact lenses due to continuous friction with the protruding tissue.

From the aesthetic side, pterygium causes redness and swelling in the eye, which can cause embarrassment among patients and affect their self-confidence. These problems can disrupt simple daily activities such as reading, driving, and using screens, and affect comfort in the social environment. For those dealing with pterygium, proper treatment can improve quality of life and restore comfort to your daily vision.

Lifestyle and types of occupations can significantly affect the risk of developing pterygium. People who work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, sailors, and maintenance personnel, are often exposed to direct sunlight, dust, and wind – as mentioned, these three central factors influence the development of pterygium. Sunlight, especially UV radiation, is known as a main contributing factor to pterygium formation, and in countries with hot climates, the risk is higher due to intensive sun exposure. Additionally, work environments with an abundance of dust and sand can exacerbate the condition; chronic irritation of the conjunctiva due to continued contact with harmful particles increases the likelihood of blocking sebaceous glands and formation of pterygium.

Workers in these conditions who do not take preventive measures, such as wearing sunglasses with UV protection or using wide-brimmed hats, may experience more rapid occurrence of pterygium compared to people working in a protected or indoor environment. Additionally, occupations that require prolonged exposure to harsh climate conditions and do not include regular access to appropriate protective equipment are at even higher risk.

In cases where the pterygium is small and does not cause troubling symptoms, it can be treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory drops and tear substitutes that help relieve irritation and preserve eye moisture. However, when the pterygium progresses, grows, or affects vision, surgery for its removal should be considered. Surgery is considered the most effective solution in advanced cases where symptoms are felt and interfere with your daily life.

The surgery is considered a relatively simple surgical procedure performed by a pterygium removal specialist, it is performed under local anesthesia and lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. In the initial stage, the surgeon ensures that the surgical area is disinfected and that the eye is properly anesthetized using numbing eye drops or gel. Then, the process of removing the eye lesion begins – a tissue membrane containing blood vessels – from the conjunctiva and cornea, to prevent vision interference or eye irritation.

In the next stage, to prevent recurrence of the pterygium, healthy conjunctival tissue is taken from under the upper eyelid and transplanted in the area from which it was removed. This action restores the structure and balance of the eye, and reduces the risk of recurrence. Fixation of the graft is performed using sutures or biological glue, which allow for easier recovery and a faster healing process.

In many cases and at the surgeon’s discretion, Mitomycin C is used during surgery. This material, placed on the eye after pterygium removal, acts to prevent cell division in the surgical area, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence to only 5%.

There is an option to remove pterygium with laser, this method is considered less common and is usually not considered a routine treatment but as a complement to the surgical method in appropriate cases.

After surgery, the patient may feel slight discomfort in the eye, as well as redness and irritation, symptoms that subside over time. Sometimes a therapeutic contact lens is used for the first two weeks after surgery, to facilitate the healing process and prevent discomfort. Post-surgery care includes the use of antibiotic and steroid drops to reduce the risk of infection and reduce inflammation.

Initial follow-up is performed the day after surgery, followed by additional follow-ups according to the doctor’s instructions. Complete recovery usually takes between two weeks and a month, and patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and contact lens use during this period.

Although the surgery is considered very safe, surgical complications usually occur only rarely and include bleeding, infection, granuloma (scar tissue), and recurrence of the pterygium. The success rates of the surgery are very high, ranging between 95-98%.

Pterygium is a very common phenomenon, with proper treatment you can reduce the disruption to daily life and the risk of vision impairment. When the condition progresses, pterygium removal surgery is an effective and safe solution. In any case, it is recommended to maintain regular visits to the ophthalmologist and use sun protection measures for prevention.

At the Dr. Levinger Eyes Medical Center, we invite you to undergo a comprehensive eye examination for the diagnosis of pterygium and receive personal and professional consultation. Our team is here to guide you throughout the process, with answers to all your questions or concerns.