A pterygium is a fleshy tissue growth that occurs in the conjunctiva (the transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye). Pterygia usually develop on the nasal side and grow towards the pupil of your eye. These benign growths (also known as “surfer’s eye”) are often caused by over-exposure to UV light and irritants such as wind and dust. There is also a genetic predisposition to developing it.
Dr Vayanos is a Cape Town ophthalmologist experienced in removing this fleshy tissue using a procedure called Pterygium Surgery.
Symptoms of pterygia
Pterygia are usually painless, but they can present with annoying symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
These include:
- The sensation of something stuck in your eye (a gritty feeling)
- Burning, itchy, and red eyes
- Eye inflammation
- Dry eyes (due to reduced tear production)
- Blurred vision (if the cornea is covered)
Although surgery is the only definitive treatment to remove a pterygium, symptoms can be treated medically with anti-inflammatory and lubricant eyedrops
A pterygium is a fleshy tissue growth that occurs in the conjunctiva (the transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye). Pterygia usually develop on the nasal side and grow towards the pupil of yo
There are 4 reasons to surgically remove a pterygium:
- If it is causing symptoms
- If it is enlarging in size or looks atypical (can rarely become cancerous)
- If it is distorting the cornea and causing blurred vision
- For cosmetic reasons
Symptoms of pterygia
Pterygia are usually painless, but they can present with annoying symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
These include:
- The sensation of something stuck in your eye (a gritty feeling)
- Burning, itchy, and red eyes
- Eye inflammation
- Dry eyes (due to reduced tear production)
- Blurred vision (if the cornea is covered)
Although surgery is the only definitive treatment to remove a pterygium, symptoms can be treated medically with anti-inflammatory and lubricant eyedrops
Pterygium Surgery – What to expect
- Pterygium surgery is a minimally invasive and relatively simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to complete
- Due to the anaesthetic, you will not be able to drive yourself home.
- After surgery, it is common to feel some discomfort and the eye will be slightly bloodshot. Dr Vayanos will prescribe eye drops for a few weeks and may place a bandage contact lens on the eye for the first few days.
- It is important that you use your eye drops as prescribed
- Protective eyewear (ie. a good quality sunglass) is recommended to safeguard your eye from UV rays, dust, and wind to prevent scarring or recurrence of the pterygium.
- You may not swim for at least 4 weeks following surgery.
- Pterygium surgery is low risk with good outcomes. Whilst it is possible for the growth to return, it is unlikely.
Pterygium Surgeon in Cape Town
Dr Vayanos is a general Ophthalmologist in full-time private practice at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Private Hospital. One of her areas of expertise includes pterygium surgery in Cape Town.
Her practice is equipped with the latest technology allowing her to give you personalised, high quality eye care with surgical precision. If you have a pterygium and would like to have it removed, we suggest you consider surgery. Pterygium surgery is a safe procedure with a very low complication rate and a rapid recovery. Contact us today and book an appointment with Dr Marianthy Vayanos.
Have any questions on pterygium or pterygium surgery? We are here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is widely recognised as a contributing factor to the condition. Environments characterised by high levels of dust or sand, particularly in arid and windy regions, are also believed to play a role in its development. The risk of a pterygium increases with age.
A pterygium typically requires surgical removal. It is likely to progress gradually over time. For many individuals, treatment may not be necessary. When symptoms cause eye irritation, over-the-counter medications are generally effective in managing these issues.
A pterygium will not generally go away on its own. Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment for complete removal. However, the use of eye ointments and drops may provide symptomatic relief, improving both appearance and comfort.
Most pterygiums can be managed with artificial tears, steroid eye drops, or corticosteroid ointments. If the growth leads to significant discomfort or begins to impair vision, your doctor may suggest pterygium surgery, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
Pterygium surgery is painless procedure. Due to the anaesthetic, you will not be able to drive yourself home. After surgery, it is common to feel some discomfort and the eye will be slightly bloodshot.
Pterygium surgery is a minimally invasive and relatively simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Full recovery from pterygium surgery can take several weeks to about a month. However, during your recovery period, you may experience redness around the eye, mild irritation or blurred vision. Dr Vayanos will prescribe eye drops for a few weeks and may place a bandage contact lens on the eye for the first few days.
Pterygium surgery is a low-risk procedure with good outcomes. Whilst it is possible for the growth to return, it is unlikely.