What is Pterygium?

A pterygium is a wing-shaped, fleshy growth that grows on the conjunctiva, the membrane which covers the white of the eye and iris. Composed of fat and protein deposits, a pterygium may be yellow, gray, white, reddish or even colorless. When the lesion is only on the white of the eye, it is known as a pinguecula.

There is no exact known cause for the development of this condition, but those most at risk spend a great deal of time outdoors exposed to the sun and to environmental irritants such as dust and wind. Farmers, fishermen, construction workers, golfers and gardeners are among those most susceptible.

The condition is completely benign, but it can cause excessive eye irritation, dryness, tearing, redness and a foreign body sensation may all occur. A large pterygium can distort vision by causing astigmatism, and in some cases even block light from entering the eye. Patients often find this condition to be cosmetically objectionable and are very self-conscious about their eye condition.

Pterygium Treatment

 – Treatment options vary according to the size of the pterygium.

 – Artificial tears and eye drops may be used relieve the discomfort.

 – Until recently, surgery was the only way to remove it.

Surgical results haven’t been too encouraging. About 40% of the time, the condition returns quickly and is larger than before. Dr. Yaldo of the Yaldo Eye Center offers a remarkable new treatment that consists of injectable drug therapy that can reduce the size of and eliminate the condition completely.