Pterygium is a growth of conjunctival tissue that advances from the white part of the eye toward the cornea. It is associated with chronic exposure to sun, wind, dust and dry environments. In addition to redness and irritation, it can cause foreign-body sensation, aesthetic concerns and visual changes when it invades the cornea.
What is it?
An outpatient surgical procedure in which the pterygium is removed and, usually, an autologous conjunctival graft is placed to reduce the risk of recurrence. It is currently the most widely used technique due to its safety and good functional and aesthetic results.
Who is it for?
For people with pterygium experiencing frequent irritation, progressive growth, visual changes, recurrent inflammation or aesthetic concerns. It may also be recommended when the tissue begins to affect the cornea or produces astigmatism.
How is it performed?
Surgery is generally performed with topical eye-drop anesthesia and usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. The abnormal tissue is carefully removed and a conjunctival graft is placed and fixed with sutures or biological adhesive, depending on the case. The patient returns home the same day.
Recovery
During the first days there may be irritation, redness or mild discomfort, which usually improves with eye drops. It is recommended to avoid intense sun exposure, dust and pools during the first weeks, and to use ocular sun protection.