MARCH 2017 MIAMI

HEALTHY BODY · MARCH 2017
WHAT SYMPTOMS DO
PTERYGIUMS CAUSE?
Pterygiums often cause the eye to look
very red, and often they can cause the
eye to feel irritated and sandy. Certain
environmental conditions, such as
exposure to wind or direct air flow from
air conditioning vents, or extended
periods of viewing a computer screen,
can also exacerbate these symptoms.
If the pterygium starts to grow onto
the cornea, it can also start to cause
astigmatism, which will blur the vision,
and in extreme cases can cover the pupil
of the eye.
RED, IRRITATED,
TIRED EYES?
One of the most common reasons for people to visit an ophthalmologist is due
to red, irritated, and tired eyes. While often the first thought is that these
symptoms are due to an eye infection or dry eye, another common cause can
be due to a growth on the eye called a pterygium. While a true pterygium is
not cancerous, it can cause significant visual disturbances and eye irritation. There are
a variety of treatment options, and the first step should be an evaluation by an Eye Care
Professional to confirm the diagnosis, as other conditions can look like a pterygium, and
to initiate therapy.
WHAT IS A
PTERYGIUM?
A pterygium is a wing shaped growth
on the eye. It grows from the delicate
white tissue that lines the surface of
the eye, called the conjunctiva, and
is due to UV exposure from the sun.
Pterygiums usually begin in the corner
of the eye but can start to grow
onto the cornea and cover the pupil.
Pterygiums are more common in areas
such as Florida or the Caribbean that
receive a lot of sun and are close to
the equator.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT
FOR PTERYGIUMS?
The most important thing to do if you
suspect you have a pterygium, is to visit
with your ophthalmologist or eye care
professional and get an exam. While more
rare, there are other conditions, such as
cancers or other types of growths, that
can sometimes look like pterygiums, so
please get evaluated first.
If your doctor confirms the presence of a
pterygium, then there are several options.
If the pterygium is small and your main
symptoms are redness and irritation,
the first step is medical treatment with
eye drops to help lubricate the eye and
decrease inflammation. In addition, it is
always important to protect your eyes
from further sun damage by wearing
sunglasses with UV protection and a
hat. Also, avoiding ceiling fans and direct
exposure to air conditioning vents, such
as those found in a car, can help reduce
further irritation to the eye.
If the pterygium is large enough to be
causing blurred vision or your symptoms
are not controlled medically, then surgery
may be recommended. Surgery is done
in an outpatient surgery center. The
recovery time is quick and with modern
technologies and techniques, there is
minimal discomfort and an excellent
cosmetic success.
By Jennifer Loh, MD
16 HEALTHY MAGAZINE