Pterygium

Pterygium is a subconjunctival tissue degenerative disease. It is a conjunctival fold that resembles wings or a fleshy triangle fold that presses against the cornea from either side within the interpalpebral tissue. The disorder isn't malignant, doesn't infect the eye's inside, and doesn't spread to other areas of the body or face. It seems red and irritates only slightly. A pterygium may spread over the cornea, the transparent window that covers the pupil and iris, if left untreated, impairing vision and growing more noticeable. Pterygium is more frequent among older men working outside. It could be either bilateral or unilateral.

Etiology

• Etiology of pterygium is not definitely known

• Most common in people living is not climate eg. Farmers, fisherman

• Environment factors – prolonged exposure to the sun (UV rays) dry heat. High wind and abundance of dust, sandy environment.

Clinical features

• Pterygium is an asymptomatic condition in the early stage

• Visual disturbances occur when it encroaches the papillary area.

• Occasionally diplopia may occur due to limitation of ocular movements

• Slight discomfort and redness of the eye

• Painless

• Foreign body sensation

• Burning

• Irritation

Pathology

A degenerative and hyperplastic disease of the conjunctiva is called pathological pterygium. Since the elastic fibers in the subconjunctival tissue degenerate, the pterygium is made of connective tissue. Under the epithelium, it develops as vascularized granulation tissue. finally encroaches upon the cornea. The cornea's middle layer, the superficial stroma, and the cornea's outer layer, the Bowmans layer, are both damaged.

Treatment

Surgical excision is the only satisfactory treatment indication of surgery.

• Cosmetic reasons

• If the continued progressive threatening to encroach on to papillary area

• Diplopia

• Regular eye check up

• Protection against UV radiation ( wear hat and sunglasses while going out)

Complication

Visual impairment, which can happen when pterygium extends onto the cornea, is the most significant complication. Even after surgery, pterygium has frequently been documented to return.