Dr Clare Kennedy, Ophthalmologist
A114 Mediclinic Cape Town
21 Hof street, Oranjezicht
T: 021 569 8449
What is a pterygium
Also referred to as “surfer’s eye”, a pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that originates from your conjunctiva (the clear skin like layer covering your white sclera) which grows over your cornea. It is thought to be caused by chronic exposure to sunlight, dust and wind. It can become inflamed, giving it a raised and red appearance and cause chronic irritation, foreign body sensation and dry eye symptoms. If it grows onto the cornea, it can change the shape of your cornea resulting in astigmatism or obscure the pupil- both cases will result in decreased vision.
Treatment
Lubricants and a weak steroid eye drop can offer symptomatic relief and improve the appearance of the pterygium by making it less red but to cure the condition, a patient will need to undergo a small operation. Surgery is indicated if the irritation is affecting a patient’s quality of life, if the vision is affected or for cosmetic reasons. This is a relatively quick procedure and is usually done as a day procedure under sedation. The pterygium is excised and removed, and a graft of healthy conjunctiva is used to seal the resulting defect over the sclera. This graft is small and is taken from a healthy area of conjunctiva from the patient’s own eye and either stuck down with a specialised surgical glue or sutured in place. The operated eye will look red for at least a week as the new graft heals and during the healing period the eye can be uncomfortable and scratchy- steroid, antibiotic and lubricant eye drops will be prescribed as well as analgesia.
Pterygium surgery is performed at Cure Day Hospital Foreshore, we have a state-of-the-art operating microscope and high-quality surgical instruments as well as the specialised surgical glue to ensure a successful operation. Pterygium surgery is a relatively safe procedure as the ophthalmologist is not working within the eye but rather removing a growth from the surface of the eye.
Conclusion
Pterygiums are a common condition (even if you don’t surf) that can cause chronic eye discomfort and decreased vision. There are medical and surgical treatment options available, and it is advisable to visit your ophthalmologist if this is affecting your quality of life or vision. Pterygium surgery is covered by most medical aids.
