Pterygium
Fleshy tissue growing from the white of the eye onto the cornea: its causes, the problems it causes and surgical treatment.
Pterygium is a fleshy growth that advances from the white of the eye onto the cornea (the clear layer over the coloured part). It is common in sunny countries such as Türkiye. Besides the structural features of the eye, it is caused by the dryness of a hot climate and by ultraviolet light.
Pterygium causes stinging, redness, astigmatism and reduced vision.
Treatment
Pterygium is treated surgically.
How Pterygium Surgery Is Performed
- Anaesthetic drops are put in the eye and an anaesthetic injection is given in the area of the pterygium.
- The pterygium tissue on the cornea is scraped away.
- A piece of the membrane covering the white of the eye is taken from the upper part of the eye.
- This piece is placed over the area where the pterygium was removed and stitched in place, and the procedure is complete.
Pterygium Surgery at a Glance
- Anaesthesia
- Anaesthetic drops in the eye and an anaesthetic injection in the area of the pterygium
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Bandage
- The eye is bandaged. The bandage is removed the next day.
- After surgery
- Stinging, pain and redness are normal. The pain and stinging settle within 3–5 days; the bloodshot appearance may last a few weeks.
- Stitches
- The stitches are not removed; they fall out by themselves.
- Return to work
- After 3 days
- Check-ups
- The day after surgery, after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year
- Eye drops and ointment
- Antibiotic drops for 2 weeks, steroid drops for 3–6 months
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.