Pterygium

What is a Pterygium?

A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge shaped growth on the outer surface of the eye. It usually results from long term ultraviolet sun exposure and is very common in hot dry environments such as Arizona. They usually grow slowly but can eventually creep onto the cornea of the eye and interfere with your vision.

Symptoms of Pterygium:

Here are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:

  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Blurry vision
  • Foreign body sensation in the eye

How is a Pterygium treated?

If it is not causing any visual problems or discomfort, it can often be managed with eye drops. However, if it causes irritation and problems or interferes with your vision, then surgery is the only way to remove it. It is an outpatient procedure where the growth is removed and the tissue is replaced with a graft to help decrease recurrence. To learn more about pterygium or if you are experiencing the symptoms of pterygium, contact us to schedule an eye exam.

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