Pterygium: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:33, 15 February 2025

Pterygium[edit]

A pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. It is often triangular in shape and can vary in size. Pterygia are more common in people who live in sunny climates and are thought to be related to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The exact cause of pterygium formation is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a response to chronic irritation and exposure to UV light. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. In pterygium, this tissue proliferates and grows onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision if it encroaches on the pupil.

Clinical Features[edit]

Pterygia are usually asymptomatic but can cause symptoms such as:

Redness
Irritation
Foreign body sensation
Tearing
Blurred vision if the pterygium grows over the cornea

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of a pterygium is typically made through a clinical examination. A slit lamp examination, as shown in the image, allows for detailed inspection of the pterygium's size, shape, and extent of corneal involvement.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options for pterygium include:

Observation: Small, asymptomatic pterygia may not require treatment.
Lubricating eye drops: To alleviate irritation and dryness.
Surgical removal: Indicated if the pterygium is causing significant symptoms or threatening vision by encroaching on the visual axis.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include:

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
Using wide-brimmed hats to shield the eyes from sunlight
Avoiding prolonged exposure to UV light

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pterygium''' is a benign growth of the [[conjunctiva]] or [[mucous membrane]] that covers the [[white part of the eye]] over the [[cornea]]. It is often associated with and stimulated by [[ultraviolet]] (UV) light exposure, such as sunlight, making it a common condition in people who live in sunny climates.
+== Pterygium ==
-== Causes ==
+[[File:Pterygium_Slitlamp.jpg|thumb|right|A pterygium as seen under a slit lamp examination.]]
-The exact cause of pterygium is not known, but it is associated with excessive exposure to wind, sunlight, or sand. Therefore, it is more likely to occur in populations that live near the equator. It is also more common in people who work outside and are exposed to the sun and wind.
-== Symptoms ==
+A '''pterygium''' is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the [[cornea]]. It is often triangular in shape and can vary in size. Pterygia are more common in people who live in sunny climates and are thought to be related to [[ultraviolet]] (UV) light exposure.
-In many cases, pterygia cause no symptoms. However, when they do become symptomatic, they can cause [[eye irritation]], [[redness]], and [[blurred vision]]. In severe cases, they can cause significant vision loss.
+== Pathophysiology ==
+The exact cause of pterygium formation is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a response to chronic irritation and exposure to UV light. The [[conjunctiva]] is a thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. In pterygium, this tissue proliferates and grows onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision if it encroaches on the [[pupil]].
+== Clinical Features ==
+Pterygia are usually asymptomatic but can cause symptoms such as:
+* [[Redness]]
+* [[Irritation]]
+* [[Foreign body sensation]]
+* [[Tearing]]
+* [[Blurred vision]] if the pterygium grows over the cornea
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosis of a pterygium is typically made through a clinical examination. A [[slit lamp]] examination, as shown in the image, allows for detailed inspection of the pterygium's size, shape, and extent of corneal involvement.
 == Treatment ==
-Treatment for pterygium depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the pterygium is small and causes no symptoms, no treatment is needed. However, if the pterygium causes persistent discomfort or interferes with vision, it may need to be surgically removed.
+Treatment options for pterygium include:
+* '''Observation''': Small, asymptomatic pterygia may not require treatment.
+* '''Lubricating eye drops''': To alleviate irritation and dryness.
+* '''Surgical removal''': Indicated if the pterygium is causing significant symptoms or threatening vision by encroaching on the visual axis.
 == Prevention ==
-Prevention of pterygium primarily involves protection of the eyes from damaging environmental conditions, especially UV light. This can be achieved by wearing sunglasses with UV protection, using a wide-brimmed hat, and using artificial tears in dry conditions.
-== See also ==
+Preventive measures include:
-* [[Pinguecula]]
-* [[Conjunctivitis]]
+* Wearing [[sunglasses]] with UV protection
-* [[Corneal ulcer]]
+* Using wide-brimmed hats to shield the eyes from sunlight
+* Avoiding prolonged exposure to UV light
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Conjunctiva]]
+* [[Cornea]]
+* [[Ultraviolet light]]
+* [[Slit lamp]]
-[[Category:Eye diseases]]
 [[Category:Ophthalmology]]
-[[Category:Medical conditions]]
-{{Eye diseases}}
-{{Ophthalmology}}
-{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}