Pterygia and Pingueculae |
| What are Pterygia and Pingueculae? |
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| A pterygium is a fleshy growth that usually starts in one corner of the eye and grows inward toward the cornea. Eventually, the pterygium will grow onto the cornea. Once that occurs, the pterygium dramatically obscures vision by inducing irregular astigmatism. By interfering with the visual axis, a pterygium can possibly lead to loss of eyesight in the affected eye if left untreated. |
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| A pinguecula is one or more soft yellowish patches of tissue growing on the white (sclera) of the eye just beyond the colored part of the eye. Typically, pinguecula are located toward the corners of the eye at the 3 or 9 o'clock position. They are usually harmless, but can be precursors of ptergia. |
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| What Causes Pterygia and Pingueculae? |
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| Pterygia and pingueculae may be caused by accumulated exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight) over many years. Heredity is thought to play a factor in their development. Harsh conditions such as heat, dryness, wind,
dust, smoke, and other environmental irritants often aggravate the development of these conditions. |
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| Treatment for Pterygia and Pingueculae |
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| Early stages of pterygia and pingueculae may only cause symptoms of redness or irritation of the eye. Artificial
tears available without prescription often ease these symptoms. Stronger prescription medications are available from your eye doctor. |
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| Advanced stages of pterygia and pingueculae may require more aggressive intervention. Pterygia may grow across the cornea. Not only does this affect one's appearance, but it also jeopardizes one's vision. The
pterygium can be surgically removed through a simple, out-patient surgery. By nature, pterygia tend to recur at a rate of 30 to 40% following surgery. |
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| Wearing sunglasses with
more than 90% UVA and B filtering in sunlight to reduce ultraviolet light exposure to the eye is thought to help reduce the regrowth of pterygia. Also, avoiding some of the harsh environmental factors may slow
regrowth as well. |
