{"id":109,"date":"2014-12-13T20:43:36","date_gmt":"2014-12-13T20:43:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mednet-sites5.net\/wps\/miramareye2014.com\/?page_id=109"},"modified":"2023-11-10T12:57:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T12:57:03","slug":"pterygium-treatment-and-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.miramareye.com\/eye-care-services\/cornea-treatment-and-surgery-services-to-ventura-oxnard-santa-barbara-carpinteria\/pterygium-treatment-and-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Pterygium Treatment and Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cornea Surgery California<\/h1>\n

Pterygium Treatment and Surgery<\/h2>\n

\"PterygiumPterygium 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What are the Causes of Pterygium?<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Studies show that there may also be a genetic predisposition to pterygium, with a higher prevalence in men than in women.<\/p>\n

Pterygium Treatment options we offer<\/h3>\n

\"EyeIn 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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n