Pterygia

Pterygia are fleshy growths that occur on the surface of the eyes. The normally clear conjunctiva overlying the white sclera of the eye begins to grow onto the surface of the cornea. A pterygium is associated with increased sun exposure. It can adversely affect vision in many different ways. It can become red, inflamed and painful or cause a patient to have a persistent foreign body sensation on the surface of the eyes. As it grows further onto the cornea it can obstruct the vision completely if it covers the pupil or it can pull on the surface of the underlying cornea and cause astigmatism. Pterygiums are usually treated with surgery that is quick and relatively painless under local anesthesia. There is always a risk of the pterygium growing back but we take several additional steps in the surgery to minimize the chances of recurrence.