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Pterygium

Pterygium

Pterygium is a triangular encroachment of the bulbar conjunctiva into the cornea. A true pterygium is a degenerative and hyperplasic process in which the conjunctiva invades the cornea ; pinguecula is a yellowish triangular patch formed by elastic degeneration of the conective tissue, situated in the bulbar conjunctiva on either side of the cornea.A true pterygium should be differentiated from a pseudopterygium which is caused by adesion of a fold of conjunctiva to a peripheral corneal ulcer.

There is no racial predisposition but pterygium typically occur in people living in sunny, hot and dusty regions.Ultra-violet rays in solar radiation has been found the most significant environmental factor. Pterygium is most common in workers out-of-doors and more among man than women.It is tipically found on the nasal side of the cornea.

Mangement for these lesions consists of the use of artificial tears; topical mild vasoconstrictors solutions can be used to control signs.Indications of surgical removal are cosmetic, recurrent inflammation and irritation , interference with contact lenses wear and progressive growth towards the visual axis.No surgical technique is universally accepted as being perfect, as is shown by a recurrence-rate often as high as 30 to 50% .

The methods of preventing recurrences are operative use of mitomycin C, postoperative b-irradiation and treatment of early recurrences with the argon laser.

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