What is it about ?
The cornea is located in front of the colored central part of the eye (the iris) and the pupil. The white part of the eye is covered with a mucous membrane (conjunctiva).
A pterygium is a fold of this lining. It appears as a whitish triangle-shaped membrane on the cornea. It usually starts from the side of the nose towards the middle of the eye. Growth is slow (several months or years) and may stop spontaneously.
So far, no real cause can explain the problem, but it is certain that UV rays and chronic irritation, from dust and drought for example, play a role.
Where and how often?
According to sources, pterygium affects 1 in 333 to 1 in 3 people. This difference between the sources depends on the group of people being studied and the region in which they live. Pterygium is more common in sunny climates. In Europe, it is around the Mediterranean that we find the most cases. In our regions, it is more often observed among the migrant population.
How to recognize it?
Pterygium usually does not cause eye symptoms. Sometimes, due to the thickness of the fold, friction may develop. This can lead to redness, usually on the nasal side of the eye, irritation, a burning sensation, and tearing.
In rare cases, the membrane reaches the center of the cornea, which changes its curvature. Sight (visual acuity and visual field) may be reduced.
Pterygium can be aesthetically embarrassing.
How is the diagnosis made?
Doctors diagnose the condition with a simple eye exam that allows them to examine the eyeball. Sometimes he will check visual acuity with an eye exam card (card with letters and numbers of varying sizes).
What can you do ?
Generally speaking, there is nothing you can do about it. And as long as you don’t mind the problem, you don’t have to do anything. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight. Always wear eye protection when working in a dusty environment.
What can your doctor do?
If your eyesight is normal and you have few or no complaints, it is advisable to be patient and wait for the problem to pass. Symptoms can be treated with eye drops (eye drops) for inflammation, redness, or irritation.
If the pterygium affects the eyesight or causes relatively serious complaints, the general practitioner may refer you to an ophthalmologist to remove this growth surgically. Unfortunately, the problem often comes back afterwards. A scar still remains on the cornea after the operation. After the procedure, you should cover the eye, especially at night, with an eye patch to avoid rubbing your eye unconsciously. For four weeks, swimming and extreme sports will only be practiced with protective goggles. The doctor will prescribe eye drops (eye drops) and you will need to gradually reduce the number of drops in the eye.
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