What is pterygium? | Symptoms, causes & treatment

One of the less common but prevalent eye diseases worldwide is pterygium. This condition, characterized by a benign growth of the clear, thin tissue (conjunctiva) covering the white part of the eye (sclera), often sparks interest and concern due to its distinctive manifestation and potential implications on vision.

Pterygium, commonly referred to as surfer's eye, presents itself as a fleshy, triangular tissue growth extending from the conjunctiva over the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). While it typically grows slowly and may stop progressing after a certain point, in some cases, it can grow large enough to interfere with vision. It usually develops on the side of the eye closer to the nose, but it can also appear on the side closer to the ear and can manifest in one or both eyes.

The defining symptom of pterygium is a visible growth on the eye. In the early stages, individuals might experience no symptoms besides this unusual growth. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms can include redness, inflammation, irritation, a gritty feeling, or a burning sensation. In severe instances, the pterygium may distort the shape of the cornea, leading to a condition known as astigmatism, causing blurry vision and sometimes a significant impairment in vision.

Research has hinted towards several causal agents for pterygium. Prolonged or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is often cited as a substantial contributing factor. Therefore, people living nearer to the equator or are typically in outdoor environments risk developing this disease. Other risk factors include exposure to dusty or sandy environments or wind, which can dry and irritate the eye. This condition affects people of all races and is slightly more prevalent in men than women, typically appearing between the ages of 30 and 50.

The course of treatment adopted depends on the severity of the symptoms and the degree to which the pterygium is impinging vision. For mild cases, the use of eye drops or ointments can help reduce redness or inflammation and provide relief from dryness or irritation. Non-prescription artificial tears can also help soothe dry and irritated eyes.

In more severe instances, where the pterygium may threaten sight or cause significant discomfort, surgical intervention becomes necessary. During this procedure, the pterygium is carefully removed, and in most cases, an autograft, a piece of tissue taken from another area of the patient's own eye, is used to fill in the space where the pterygium was. While surgery has a high success rate, recurrences do occur in some cases, and UV protective measures are always recommended post-surgery.

In conclusion, pterygium is a prevalent yet less spoken about eye disease that often manifests as a visible growth on the eye. Though its symptoms can be relatively mild, it can potentially impair vision in severe cases. With treatments ranging from simple eye drops to surgery, awareness about the condition and appropriate protective measures like wearing sunglasses are crucial to managing the disease.