Pterygium Surgery

A pterygium is a non cancerous whitish yellow growth on the white of the eye, the conjunctiva.  It occurs in a horizontal fashion on either side of the cornea.  When it grows onto the cornea it can blur one’s vision.  A pterygium is caused by dryness and/or prolonged sun and wind exposure. If it results in chronic redness and irritation or decreased vision, the pterygium can be removed with surgery.  The outpatient surgery involves removing the growth, sometimes with application of anti scarring medication and/or a graft to cover up the empty space.  A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for a couple weeks to allow it to heal and drops are taken to ensure an infection does not occur as well as reduce inflammation.  When does in this fashion the recurrence rate is reduced to 20%.