Pterygium Surgery
Dr Ang specialises in sutureless pterygium surgery for an excellent cosmetic result.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a wing-shaped growth of conjunctival tissue that encroaches onto the cornea (clear surface on the front of the eye). It is usually due to exposure to ultraviolet light and is common in Australia due to the strong UV light here. It’s commonly known as “surfer’s eye”.
Pterygia are frequently bilateral but may be more extensive in one eye compared to the other. They tend to grow slowly but can stop at any stage. They are more likely to grow in younger people and those with continued exposure to UV light or chronic irritants such as wind or dust.
Many people do not have any symptoms from their pterygium. As it grows larger, it may start to distort the cornea and cause visual blurring. It may cause discomfort and become intermittently red and irritated.
More information about Pterygium Surgery
How is a pterygium treated?
Asymptomatic pterygia may not require any treatment.
If the pterygium is causing irritation and discomfort, sometimes simple measures such as using lubricant drops can be helpful. Otherwise, the pterygium may need to be removed surgically.
If the pterygium is larger and causing visual problems, then it may need to be removed surgically.
Surgery is usually done under local anaesthesia and sedation. It involves excising the pterygium, and replacing the bare area on the white part of the eye with a thin mucous membrane (conjunctival autograft) taken from the top part of your eye. Dr Ang usually uses glue rather than sutures, so the recovery is less uncomfortable. The conjunctival autograft helps with the healing, prevents recurrence, and achieves a good cosmetic result. Pterygium surgery is very safe, but uncommonly risks such as recurrence, delayed healing, or infection can occur.