A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that forms on the front membrane (conjunctiva) of the eye. It’s often called “surfer’s eye” because it’s particularly common in that population. The growth usually forms on the nose side of the eye and grows outward toward the pupil.
A pterygium isn’t a cancerous growth, and it’s usually not a serious condition. But it can produce uncomfortable symptoms, and it’s definitely an eyesore. In extreme cases, the growth may extend over your pupil, affecting your vision.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Luis C. Omphroy diagnoses and treats pterygia at Omphroy Eye Care in Aiea, Hawaii. There are conservative treatments for the condition, but he often recommends pterygium surgery because it’s more effective.
Here’s what you can expect with a pterygium and the surgery to correct it.
Pterygium formation
The causes of a pterygium growth are well-established:
- Exposure to the sun’s UV light
- Dry eyes
- Irritation from dust and wind
- Pollen
- Smoke (e.g., tobacco, wildfires)
Pterygia occur most commonly among men 20-40 years old who live near the equator (such as in Hawaii). But anyone who lives in a sunny locale and who regularly spends time outdoors, particularly without sunglasses, can develop one.
What are pterygium symptoms?
A pterygium starts with a pinguecula, a yellowish bump or patch on the conjunctiva that becomes red if irritated. As it develops, it becomes the fleshy growth that characterizes the condition.
Pterygia can develop in just one eye or both, and while they don’t necessarily produce symptoms, when they occur, the symptoms are usually mild: redness, irritation, a burning sensation, and/or itchiness.
If the pterygium becomes large enough to cover your cornea, it can change the shape of your eye, leading to blurred vision. Thick pterygia, or ones that grow particularly large, can feel like you have something in your eye.
Treating a pterygium
If you’re only experiencing mild symptoms of the pterygium, Dr. Omphroy might choose to treat you with:
- Over-the-counter wetting drops
- Eye ointments
- Drops for redness and irritation
- Prescription steroid drops to reduce inflammation, pain, and irritation
If the drops aren’t effective, if the growth’s appearance bothers you, or if you develop blurred vision, Dr. Omphroy might recommend pterygium surgery to remove the growth.
A step-by-step guide to pterygium surgery
Ophthalmologists use different techniques to remove a pterygium, but Dr. Omphroy uses a protocol he developed himself, as follows:
Excision
After carefully numbing your eye to keep you comfortable during the procedure, Dr. Omphroy excises the growth.
TISSEEL glue
Next, he applies TISSEEL glue, a fibrin sealant, to prepare the surgical site for an amniotic graft. Doing so allows him to position the graft without using sutures.
Amniotic membrane transplant
Dr. Omphroy replaces the excised conjunctival tissue with a small piece of amniotic membrane. The membrane protects the eye as it heals, while also minimizing inflammation and scarring. This greatly reduces the risk of regrowth.
Anterior segment reconstruction
In addition to membrane placement, Dr. Omphroy expertly repairs whatever damage the pterygium caused to the eye’s surface. The procedure is relatively painless and leaves the eye looking completely natural.
Once the surgery’s complete, we provide you with aftercare instructions, which you should follow strictly to allow for healing and to minimize complications.
If you have a pterygium and are bothered by either its appearance or symptoms, it’s time to come into Omphroy Eye Care in Aiea, Hawaii, for expert treatment. Give our office a call at 808-487-7700 to set up an appointment with Dr. Omphroy today.