Pterygium and Pinguecula

Pterygium is a triangular-shaped fleshy tissue that encroaches onto the cornea usually on the nasal (nose) side of the eye. It is thought to be due to environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, chronic dryness and exposure to wind and dust.

Patients usually report on and off redness, mild discomfort, feeling of dryness or foreign body sensation and occasional tearing. Blurring of vision may be present if the pterygium encroaches too much onto the cornea causing astigmatism or if it covers the pupil. 

What is the treatment?
Surgical excision is indicated if the pterygium progresses towards the center of the cornea or for cosmetic reasons. We perform two types of surgery:

1. pterygium excision with mitomycin-C
2. pterygium excision with conjunctival grafting.

Recurrences are relatively common, but are lowest with conjunctival grafting (3-5%). 

Schedule a Consultation