Symptoms of Pterygium - How to Diagnose

Pterygium Uncovered: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Pterygium is an eye condition prevalent in tropical areas. It is associated with the overgrowth of conjunctiva over the cornea, thus affecting overall vision. This disease is also widely known as "surfer's eye," as it is common among surfers worldwide. Spending time outdoors and exposure to chronic sunlight are some of the common risk factors for Pterygium.

Pterygium is not a critical disease but can cause discomfort. Thus, keep reading this article to learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium is an eye condition that causes wedged fibrovascular growth from the conjunctiva to the cornea. The elements like sand, water, dry wind, chronic sun exposure, etc., primarily cause the Pterygium eye condition.

Thus, surfers are more prone to Pterygium, which is why it is also known as "Surfer's eye." However, anyone in the tropical region exposed to its risk factors is susceptible to the disease. Pterygium is not cancerous, but its continued growth across the eye surface can cause irritation and discomfort with visibility.

Developed on the eye's surface, Pterygium causes inflammation and irritation; therefore, it is important to visit the concerned specialist on time to get Pterygium treatment, which involves tests, drops, and surgery.

What are the Different Types of Pterygium?

Broadly categorizing, there are two types of Pterygium: Progressive Pterygium and Atrophic Pterygium.

Progressive Pterygium

Progressive Pterygium, as the name suggests, progresses toward the cornea and is thick and vascular in appearance.

Atrophic Pterygium

Atrophic Pterygium does not proceed to grow or expand and remains stationary while appearing to be thin and membranous.

Both kinds can be differentiated on the basis of a number of factors like appearance, blood vessels, etc, as mentioned below:

Factors of Differentiation	Progressive Pterygium	Atrophic Pterygium
Appearance	Thick and fleshy	Thin membranous
Blood vessels	Prominently visible	Pale blood vessels
Presence of cap in the front	Present	Absent
Growth	Advances in the cornea	Remains static after growth

What are the Various Stages of Pterygium?

Pterygium occurs in different stages as it can irritate and, in extreme cases, may lead to visual impairment. Pterygium stages are classified for the ease of surgical intervention by the concerned specialists, which are as follows:

Stage 0

This is Pterygium's foremost growth stage and is called Pinguecula. It looks like a yellow bump on the conjunctiva, and in this, the lesion is posterior to the limbus, which is the border of the cornea that connects the white part of the eye.

Stage 1

In this stage, the conjunctival and corneal tissues remain flat, while the lesion involves the limbus with the least papillary response.

Stage 2

Here, you may observe the appearance of the lesion on the limbus with regular vascularity and slight elevation on the corneal tissues.

Stage 3

In this stage, the Pterygium covers the area between the margin of the pupil and the limbus with visible moderate vascularity in the eye.

Stage 4

In the final stage of its growth, Pterygium covers the margin of the pupil beyond 1mm and appears deep in colour. This stage can cause visual difficulties and is considered severe.

What Causes Pterygium?

Pterygium eye condition occurs due to tissue growth from the conjunctive to the cornea and can become a severe ailment if it remains undiagnosed. Following are some of the Pterygium causes that are responsible for the occurrence of this condition:

Chronic Exposure to Sunlight (UV Light)

Prolonged exposure to sunlight is one of the major risk factors associated with Pterygium as it affects the eyes.

Irritation in the Hot and Dry Climate

Hot and dry climate leads to dry and water eyes, which can cause an infection and enhance the possibilities of suffering from Pterygium.

Exposure to Elements like Wind, Pollen, Sand, Smoke, etc.

Winds, pollen, sand, and smoke are some elements that can cause severe eye conditions like Pterygium and other infections when in contact with your eyes.

Old Age

With old age, your eye muscles get weak, and you also become more prone to diseases like Pterygium.

Genetics

Pterygium can be passed on by genetics which is why you must know your family history of diseases to bear extra cautions.

Deficiency of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and thus, its deficiency can cause several diseases like night blindness, Pterygium, and much more.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV or Human Papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted disease that is often associated with eye infections like Pterygium, and others.

What are the Pterygium Symptoms?

Pterygium starts developing in the inner corner of your eye and may not appear in its initial stages. However, if you experience one or more of the Pterygium symptoms given below, you must make a visit to the concerned specialist:

● Irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis)
● Redness of eye or bloodshot eyes
● Dry eyes
● Watery eyes
● Itching or burning sensation in the eye
● Prolonged eye pain
● Appearance of a lesion in the corner of the eye
● Change in vision, like blurring or double vision
● Discomfort in wearing contact lenses

When to Consult a Doctor for Pterygium?

Pterygium is not a chronic disease, and therefore, there is nothing to worry about. However, the outgrowth of conjunctiva over the cornea can hamper vision and may affect a person's day-to-day activities. Thus, it is advisable to get your Pterygium surgically removed in case it grows far enough to disturb your vision.

Pterygium eye conditions can cause inflammation and irritation in the eye, making it uncomfortable to wear lenses. Surgical removal of Pterygium takes less than an hour, and with proper after-care, you can recover to your normal vision within a few days.

What are the Treatment Options for Pterygium?

If you observe one or more symptoms of Pterygium, you will be required to visit the concerned specialist. The specialist may conduct various tests depending on your eye's condition, including corneal topography, photo documentation, and visual acuity tests.

In case of prolonged irritation and pain in the eyes, the doctor may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops and a course of steroid eye drops for other symptoms. Surgical methods may also be used for its removal in case of severe Pterygium.

Pterygium self-care is important for the prevention and recurrence of the disease, which involves protecting your eyes from exposure to UV light or sun, for which you may wear sunglasses. Wear hats to prevent wind, dust, pollen, or smoke exposure.

What is the Healing Process of Pterygium?

When treated with medication, you may see visible results in a few days or as directed by your doctor. However, after surgery for the removal of Pterygium, it may take you a month or more to recover to normal. You will be able to see well in a day or two of your medication or surgery.

Apart from the prescribed care, it is important that you ensure Pterygium self-care to avoid its recurrence. During your healing process, you must intake Vitamins A, C, and E for fast and healthy recovery. Minerals like zinc and selenium are also beneficial for post-surgical recovery from Pterygium.

The Pterygium eye condition is characterized by the development of a yellow patch or bump on the inner corner of the eye that gradually grows over the cornea. It may lead to some discomfort in vision and require medical attention. Pterygium symptoms involve exposure to elements like sun, dust, wind, smoke, etc., which can be prevented with some Pterygium self-care.

HELP CENTRE

Confused? We’ve got the answers

We’re Star Health. We offer the coverage that’s designed to help keep you healthy. It's the care that comes to you, and stays with you.

FAQ

How to treat Pterygium?

Pterygium treatment includes the usage of prescribed eye drops and sunglasses and undergoing surgery in extreme cases.

What are the symptoms of Pterygium at different stages of its growth?

Pterygium symptoms include dry or watery eyes, pain in the eyes, bloodshot or red eyes, blurred vision, a feeling of something striking the eyes, itching, inflammation, and much more.

What causes Pterygium?

Some common Pterygium causes include prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV light, elements like sand, wind, dust, and smoke, and an increase in age.

Is Pterygium an indication of cancer?

No, Pterygium is non-cancerous, although it might appear scary and bloodshot.