What is Pterygium?
A pterygium is a lump of tissue that grows over the cornea. It usually occurs on the nose side of the eye. Pterygium are thought to result from sun damage and are more commonly seen in people who have worked outdoors or surfers. They may also occur as part of normal aging. Pterygium can increase in size gradually over a number of years, but sometimes this occurs more quickly.
Pterygium are generally removed if they are causing redness and discomfort; affecting vision and/or if they affect the eyes appearance.
Symptoms
- A feeling of a foreign body in the eye
- A gritty feeling in the eye
Example of a Pterygium
Treatments:
- Eye drops
- Pterygium surgical removal