Corneal Transplant Surgery

Pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva (a layer over the white part of the eye) that grows into the cornea (the clear layer over the colored part of the eye). A pterygium usually begins at the nasal side of the eye, but it can also occur on the lateral side, or both. It can be different colors; sometimes yellow, white or pink.

Patients with pterygium often first notice the condition because of a focal dry, itchy irritation, or redness. A pterygium is usually first discovered when it is confined only to the conjunctiva. At this early stage, it is called a pingueculum. Once it actually extends to the cornea it is properly termed a pterygium and can eventually lead to impaired vision. A pterygium can cause astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye), and if left untreated, can grow into the pupil and block the visual axis.

What Are The Causes Of Pterygium?

Although the causes of pterygium are not entirely known, it is believed to be caused mainly by exposure to UV light. Another major risk factor is living in a dry, dusty, windy environment. People who live near the equator or participate water sports such as surfing and fishing are thus more likely to develop a pterygium. Prolonged exposure to these conditions causes the conjunctiva to thicken and the eye to become red and inflamed. As a result of this inflammation, collagen in the eye begins to change and a pterygium forms.

Studies show that there may also be a genetic predisposition to pterygium, with a higher prevalence in men than in women.

Pterygium Treatment Options We Offer

In most mild cases of pterygium, artificial tears can be used to reduce dryness and inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory eye drops can be prescribed by your ophthalmologist to reduce flare-ups.

For patients with severe cases whose vision has been affected, different types of surgery are available. Surgery is the only way to definitively remove a pterygium, but it is not a perfect solution; it requires long-term follow-up, and there is always a risk that the pterygium will grow back. The currently preferred methods of pterygium excision are:

• Conjunctival autografting is a safe and effective technique that surgically removes a pterygium and reduces the chance of recurrence. In this procedure, the pterygium over the cornea is removed along with the base of abnormal conjunctival tissue covering the sclera. This tissue over the sclera is replaced with a patch of transplanted tissue from the part of the conjunctiva that is protected by the upper eyelid (the autograft). This autograft is secured with either tiny absorbable sutures or tissue adhesive.
• Amniotic membrane transplant is used either as a primary procedure if the size of the pterygium too large for an autograft, or if a prior attempt at conjunctival autograft had failed. This procedure uses amniotic membrane (which is the lining of the human placenta), to provide enough coverage of a defect that would be created by excising a large pterygium. This technique is often very successful in the most severe cases.

Patient Testimonial

“Many times in life you meet people who literally change your lifestyle. Dr. John Davidson did that for me. My surgery with Dr. Davidson was incredible, pain free, very professional, and the outcome is so good I can’t even describe it in words. Dr. Davidson is one of those rare individuals whose honesty, bedside manner, and abilities are all equal. I cannot recommend too highly the staff and the competency that Dr. Davidson brings.”