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Understanding the Causes of Pterygium

What symptoms can a pterygium cause?

A pterygium can lead to various symptoms that affect vision and comfort. These may include:

Redness and irritation in the affected eye

A feeling of dryness or grittiness

Blurry vision as the growth extends over the cornea

A noticeable, wedge-shaped tissue on the eye

Sensitivity to wind, sunlight, and dust
If left untreated, severe cases may require treatment of pterygium to prevent vision obstruction.

How is a pterygium diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose a pterygium through an eye exam, checking for redness, irritation, and abnormal tissue growth on the cornea. They may use a slit lamp to examine eye structures in detail. In some cases, imaging tests help assess severity. Early detection ensures proper management and the right treatment of pterygium to prevent vision issues.

What is the treatment for pterygium?

The treatment of pterygium depends on its severity. Mild cases can be managed with lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation. If it grows or affects vision, surgical removal may be necessary. Sun protection and avoiding dry, dusty environments can help prevent recurrence. Understanding the symptoms of pterygium—such as redness, irritation, and blurred vision—can aid in early management.

What’s involved in pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery is a procedure to remove a pterygium, a growth of tissue on the eye’s surface. The surgery involves excising the tissue and often using a graft to reduce recurrence. Recovery includes mild discomfort, redness, and temporary blurred vision. Protecting the eyes from UV exposure helps prevent regrowth. This procedure is recommended when the growth affects vision or causes irritation.

How Clearview Eye Helps in Pterygium surgery?

Clearview Eye offers advanced care for the treatment of pterygium, a condition caused by prolonged UV exposure, wind, or dust. This growth on the eye’s surface can lead to irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort. Our expert team removes the tissue safely, reducing recurrence risks. If left untreated, it may worsen, affecting vision.

What causes Pterygium?

The primary cause of pterygium is cumulative UV radiation, typically from sun exposure. Dry, windy, and dusty conditions can also contribute to its growth. Ptergyium are often seen in sunny San Diego and Southern California in surfers, boaters, soccer players and those who work outside, like landscapers and construction workers. Like skin made wrinkled and leathery by sun damage, the conjunctiva responds to UV damage by becoming rough, thick, and filled with blood vessels. The thickened and uneven surface causes irritation and ultimately, trouble seeing. Left untreated, pterygium can rob you of your sight.

Dr. Sandy Feldman of ClearView Eye & Laser Medical Center offers the latest treatments for pterygium, including no-stitch removal. Learn more about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pterygium.

Click here to read:- Pterygium Removal Surgery: What to Expect.

FAQs About Pterygium Cause

Q1. What triggers pterygium?

Ans: Exposure to UV radiation, wind, and dry conditions are major pterygium eye causes. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny or dusty environments, are more prone to developing it. Chronic eye irritation and genetic factors may also contribute. Wearing sunglasses and using artificial tears can help reduce risk.

Q2. How does pterygium go away?

Ans: A pterygium may go away on its own if mild, but persistent cases need treatment. Lubricating drops ease discomfort, while surgery removes larger growths affecting vision. Surfer's eye cause includes UV exposure, wind, and dust. Prevent it with sunglasses and eye protection.

Q3. How do you prevent eye pterygium?

Ans: Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses and hats. Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, especially in dry, windy environments. Avoid excessive exposure to dust and pollutants. If irritation occurs, consult an eye specialist for early management.

Q4. What are the four stages of pterygium?

Ans: Pterygium progresses through four stages, from mild irritation to vision obstruction. Early stages show redness and discomfort, while advanced cases may cause blurred vision. Treatment of pterygium depends on severity, ranging from eye drops to surgery. Symptoms of pterygium include dryness, itching, and visible growth.

Q5. What vitamin is good for pterygium?

Ans: Vitamin C and E may help slow the progression of pterygium by reducing oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acids also support eye health. While vitamins can help, they don’t replace medical treatment of pterygium.

Q6. Is pterygium surgery worth it?

Ans: Pterygium surgery can be beneficial if the condition affects vision or causes discomfort. The treatment of pterygium is necessary when irritation, redness, or blurred vision worsens. Understanding the causes of pterygium, like UV exposure, helps in prevention.

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