Pterygium, often referred to as “surfer’s eye,” is a common eye condition in which a benign growth of tissue develops on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye). It usually starts from the inner corner of the eye, near the nose, and can extend across the cornea. While the exact cause of pterygium isn’t fully understood, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, wind, dust, and dry conditions are thought to be significant risk factors. According to an eye doctor who treats pterygium on Long Island, people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny or dusty environments, are at greater risk of developing this condition.
Though pterygium is typically not a serious medical issue, it can cause discomfort, redness, irritation, and vision problems if it interferes with the cornea. In more severe cases, the growth can impair vision by distorting the corneal surface. Fortunately, there are several treatment methods available, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention.
Conservative Treatment Options
In the early stages of pterygium, when the growth is small and not causing significant symptoms, conservative treatment is often sufficient to manage the condition.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Dryness and irritation are common symptoms associated with pterygium. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can help alleviate these symptoms by keeping the eye moist and reducing irritation. Over-the-counter eye drops are widely available and can be used several times a day to provide relief.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
If the pterygium becomes inflamed or red, corticosteroid eye drops or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling. These medications should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to potential side effects with long-term use, such as increased risk of infection or glaucoma.
UV Protection
Since UV light is a major contributor to pterygium development, wearing protective sunglasses with UV filters can help prevent further growth. Additionally, wearing wide-brimmed hats or seeking shade when outdoors for prolonged periods can reduce exposure to harmful UV rays, especially in individuals who are prone to developing pterygium.
Artificial Tears and Ointments for Dry Eyes
People with pterygium often suffer from dry eye symptoms. Artificial tears or gel-based eye ointments can help keep the eyes lubricated and reduce discomfort.
Surgical Treatment for Pterygium
For more advanced cases of pterygium, where the growth has become large, symptomatic, or is impairing vision, surgical removal may be necessary. Surgery is generally recommended if the pterygium is causing significant irritation, affecting vision, or if it repeatedly recurs despite conservative treatment.
Pterygium Excision Surgery
The most common surgical treatment for pterygium is excision, where the growth is carefully removed by an ophthalmologist. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
Procedure details:
- The surgeon makes a small incision to remove the pterygium tissue from the eye.
- After the pterygium is removed, the surgeon may use sutures or a biological tissue graft to help prevent the growth from coming back. This could be a conjunctival autograft (tissue taken from the patient’s own eye) or an amniotic membrane graft.
The goal of surgery is not only to remove the pterygium but to also reduce the chances of recurrence. Studies have shown that using grafts can significantly lower recurrence rates compared to simply excising the tissue alone.
Recurrence Prevention
Pterygium has a tendency to recur, especially if the underlying risk factors (such as UV exposure) are not addressed. To minimize the risk of recurrence, surgeons may employ various methods:
- Conjunctival autografts: Using healthy tissue from the patient’s own eye to cover the surgical site reduces the likelihood of the pterygium returning.
- Amniotic membrane grafts: Amniotic membrane tissue, often used for corneal repair, can also be used to cover the surgical site. This biological material promotes healing and helps prevent scarring and recurrence.
- Mitomycin C: This chemotherapy drug may be applied during surgery to inhibit the growth of any remaining pterygium cells, further reducing the risk of recurrence.
Postoperative Care
After surgery, the patient will need to follow specific instructions to ensure proper healing. This includes:
- Using prescribed eye drops (e.g., corticosteroids or antibiotics) to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
- Avoiding rubbing the eyes and minimizing exposure to bright sunlight or dust.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Most patients experience significant relief from symptoms after surgery, with a high success rate for vision improvement.
Alternative and Emerging Treatments
Several newer approaches and alternative treatments are being explored for pterygium management, though these are not as widely adopted as traditional methods.
Anti-VEGF Therapy
Research into anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has shown promise in treating pterygium. Anti-VEGF drugs are used to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels that may contribute to the development of pterygium. This treatment, which is more commonly used in other ocular conditions like macular degeneration, may help reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence in some cases.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment, particularly the use of excimer laser or diode lasers, has been explored as an alternative to traditional surgery. Lasers can be used to remove the pterygium with a high degree of precision and minimal damage to surrounding tissue. However, this approach has not yet been proven to be as effective or reliable as traditional excision with a graft.
Prevention of Pterygium
While not all cases of pterygium can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing this condition or prevent it from worsening:
- UV protection: Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and hats when outdoors, especially in sunny environments, can help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Environmental protection: Avoiding prolonged exposure to wind, dust, and smoke can help protect the eyes, particularly for those living in dry or windy areas.
- Hydration: Keeping the eyes lubricated with artificial tears can prevent dry eyes, a contributing factor to pterygium development.
Final Thoughts
Pterygium is a treatable condition with several management options, ranging from simple lubricating drops and UV protection to more invasive surgical procedures. While conservative treatments are effective for early-stage pterygium, surgery may be necessary for more severe cases to preserve vision and reduce recurrence. Patients with pterygium should work closely with their eye care providers to develop a tailored treatment plan that best meets their needs and lifestyle. Early detection and proper care can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this common eye condition.