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         Walman Eye Center                                602 222 2020

   Pterygium is one of the more common conditions seen here in Arizona , primarily because of our hot, dry, sunny weather.    This conditions appears most often starting in the 20’s and 30’s .

Cause:

Chronic exposure to sun , dryness, and ultraviolet light in an individual who is predisposed to it’s development.

Symptoms:

Redness, dryness, irritation usually in the inside corner of the eye.   As the pterygium progresses in size - it can start leading to blurred vision because of it’s effect of compressing and distorting the cornea..

Prevention:

Eye protection from the sun:  Sunglasses with UV protection,  wearing a hat when outside.

Frequent lubrication with artificial tears.

Treatment:

Once the pterygium starts growing onto the cornea ,  surgical removal is often appropriate to prevent any further visual loss by continued progression onto the cornea..    Surgical treatment can be followed by a recurrence, but these recurrences can be minimized by utilizing the prescribed eye drop medication for a month or two after surgery,  and preventing exposure to the sun and ultraviolet light.   Frequent lubrication with artificial tears is important as well.

Current advancements in surgical removal involve an updated technique whereby a suture is no longer necessary.   The suture is a source of irritation in the eye ;  but now,  Dr. Walman generally utilizes a tissue glue that replaces the suture.   This allows the eye to be more comfortable in the post-operative period, and thus further minimizes the possibility of recurrences.

For cases of a pterygium recurrence,  it is often helpful to utilize an antimetabolite medicine called Mitomycin-C.

PTERYGIUM

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