Pterygium Surgery

Pterygium is a condition where the conjunctiva (outer coating of the eye) grows into the cornea. As the conjunctiva grows it becomes red and irritated. As the pterygium worsen a persons vision can be affected mildly to severely depending on the state of the growth of the conjunctiva. The growth prevents light from passing through the cornea. Some cases of pterygium lead to an astigmatism or a change of shape in the cornea.

For mild cases of pterygium artificial tears can be used to treat the irritation that is caused by the growth. For more severe cases surgical treatments are available for patients. During the surgery, a fine diamond-tipped corneal sander is used to remove the scar tissue from the cornea. Other techniques are performed during the procedures to help ensure that the pterygium will not grow back. Some patients take a medication called mitomycin-C to help stop pterygium cells from growing.