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What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a noncancerous eye condition that affects more than three million people in the United States each year. Often called “Surfer’s Eye,” pterygium it is linked to ultraviolet exposure and is most often diagnosed in people who spend time outdoors. It occurs when a growth of tissue forms on the outer layer of your eye. While it is not severe, pterygium can cause discomfort and impact your vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Pterygium?
Most people can see or feel pterygium, and it generally appears on the part of your eye closest to your nose. Symptoms include:
Redness
Itchiness
Irritation
Burning sensation
Feeling like you have something in your eye
A thick or large growth over your cornea
Impaired or loss of vision
Find Pterygium Treatment Near You
At Nationwide Vision, our goal is to help every patient achieve their best possible vision. With convenient locations across Arizona, expert pterygium care is always close to home. Click here to schedule an appointment for pterygium treatment.
Who Is At-Risk for Pterygium?
While sun exposure and UV light are the primary causes, other risk factors include dry eyes and environmental irritants such as pollen, dust, sand, smoke, and wind. Males are twice as likely to develop pterygium, with higher risk among:
People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially without sunglasses or eye protection.
People who live in warmer climates, on the coast, or close to the equator.
People who suffer from dry eyes.
How Does eyecarecenter Diagnose Pterygium?
Pterygium often appears as a visible, wedge-shaped growth on the white of the eye, but it may also be detected during a routine exam before symptoms develop. Nationwide Vision uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the growth and determine if treatment is needed. Tests may include:
Visual Acuity & Refraction
To measure how clearly you see and determine whether the pterygium is affecting your vision.
Slit-Lamp Exam
To closely examine the surface of the eye and evaluate the size, shape, and location of the pterygium.
Corneal Mapping or Topography
To check whether the pterygium is changing the shape of the cornea and causing astigmatism or blurred vision.
Fluorescein Staining
To identify irritation or damage on the surface of the eye caused by dryness or inflammation.
Dilated Eye Exam
To assess your overall eye health and rule out other conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment Options for Pterygium
Pterygium is a common eye condition that can affect all members of your family. At Nationwide Vision, we provide expert, compassionate eye care and treat eye conditions for patients of all ages. There are surgical and non-surgical treatment options available.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Pterygium does not always require treatment, but you should see an optometrist if it affects vision or causes discomfort. Most cases can be managed with artificial tears or anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce irritation and control symptoms.
Surgical Treatments
Pterygia usually only becomes a problem when they continue to grow so much that they begin growing over the cornea, the clear front part of your pupil that lets light into your eye. When this happens, you might start to notice issues with your vision.
Sometimes, patients won’t have vision issues but don’t like how the pterygium looks and want it removed for cosmetic reasons. In both cases, outpatient surgery to remove the pterygium is a treatment option. In either case, the eye experts at Nationwide Vision can use comprehensive eye exams to help determine the best course of treatment for you. Speak with your Nationwide Vision doctor today to discuss how to manage your pterygium.
Schedule an Appointment for Pterygium Treatment
The team at Nationwide Vision specializes in eye diseases and ocular conditions. Routine eye exams help us provide you with the best vision possible. If you are diagnosed with pterygium, we will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your eyes. To assess your eye health, diagnose, and treat pterygium, schedule an eye exam today.