Pterygium

Symptoms of a pterygium:

• Tissue growing over the eye
• Irritation
• Redness
• Tearing

Causes of a pterygium:

The exact cause of pterygia isn’t known, but it’s thought to be linked to:

• Long-term exposure to sunlight
• Dry, dusty conditions
• Age: Ptergia is typically found in adults over the age of 30.

Diagnosing a pterygium:

Chances are, you’ll notice a pterygium. Your eye doctor can also diagnose it during a routine eye exam.

Treatment of a pterygium:

Eye drops or ointment can be used to reduce the irritation caused by a pterygium. If the pterygium grows toward the central cornea, it may need to be removed surgically. Prevention is important. It’s a good idea to protect your eyes with sunglasses if you’ll be in the sun or a dusty, dry environment.