Description
A pterygium is a growth of scar-like tissue of the conjunctiva onto the edge of the cornea. It typically occurs on the nose side of the eye but can also occur on the ear side.
Indications
Small pterygia are common and often don’t cause significant symptoms. They can cause redness and irritation. If they get large, they can also affect the vision. If they cause decreased vision or severe discomfort, they can be surgically removed.
Procedure
The pterygium is excised and some conjunctival tissue from the upper part of the eye is removed and placed in the area from which the pterygium was removed, to decrease the chance of recurrence of the pterygium. However, the pterygium can occasionally recur. Pterygium surgery is performed using local or general anesthesia in the operating room.