Pterygium, commonly known as “surfer’s eye,”‘eye-web’ is a non-cancerous growth on the conjunctiva—the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. This growth can extend onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision. While often benign, pterygium can cause discomfort and visual disturbances, making it important to understand its nature, symptoms, and available treatments. This degenerative tissue forms in people who are exposed to prolonged hours in the sun.
Symptoms
- Eye discomfort
- Irritation and Redness of the eyes
- Dryness
- Blurred vision
- Teary eyes
Management
Treatment for pterygium depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced. Options include:
Lubricating Eye Drops
Usage: These drops are used to keep the eye moist and reduce irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
For more persistent symptoms, anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to reduce redness and swelling.
Surgical Removal
If the pterygium causes significant vision problems or discomfort, surgical removal may be necessary. During the procedure, the pterygium is excised, and sometimes a conjunctival graft (tissue from another part of the eye) is used to prevent recurrence.
Is it Cancer?
Pterygium originates from limbal stem cells altered by chronic UV exposure.Importantly, pterygia are not cancerous, they are benign growths. This indicates that although they can expand in the local area (possibly affecting your vision), they will not spread to other regions of your body.
