Pterygium consists of an abnormal growth in the tissue that covers the cornea ( the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the frontal eye). This tissue becomes swollen easily with sun exposure, wind, and other factor that cause irritation. A patient with pterygium has a constant sensation of a strange “something” in their eye and their eye feels stuffy, This tissue grows over the cornea un a triangular form. In more severe cases, the tissue reaches the center of the cornea, affecting the patient’s vision, at time in permanently.
It is typical or this to occur in people that live in hot climates with a lot of sun exposure, a dry environment, and also those that live in very contaminated and polluted areas. The pterygium will attach completely to the adjacent structures of the eye. For the eye surgeon, it is very important to treat this pathology in its early stages to avoid future complications or the risk of reappearance of the pterygium.

HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

The easiest way to protect yourself from pteryium is using the proper sun protection, such as proper sunglasses that protect against UV rays, as well as wearing hats thatprotect from the sun from an early age. For those that live near the equator, solar radiation is much more intense between 10:00am and 2:00pm, so it is recommended to protect oneself from the sun, especially during these times.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

There is no exact medical treatment, local or general, that will make the pterygium disappear completely. When this pathology begins causing discomfort in the patient and its growth augments until it reaches the pupil, then surgery will be necessary.