Pterygium
A pterygium is a fleshy, triangular growth of the conjunctiva, the clear skin over the white of the eye, that spreads from the corner of the eye onto the cornea. Long exposure to sunlight, dust, wind and heat is the main cause, which is why it is so common in Nigeria and among people who work outdoors. It is not cancer. Small ones mainly cause irritation, but a pterygium that grows over the centre of the cornea can blur vision.
Find a Ophthalmology SpecialistGet a fixed surgery quote on Mezo SurgeryMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A pink, fleshy growth on the white of the eye, usually on the side nearer the nose
- Redness and irritation
- A gritty, foreign-body feeling
- Dry, itchy or watery eyes
- Blurred vision if it grows onto the cornea
- Concern about how the eye looks
When to See a Doctor
See an ophthalmologist for any growth on the eye, to confirm it is a pterygium and not another lesion. See them promptly if it is growing towards the pupil, is affecting your vision, or changes colour or bleeds.
Treatment options
- Sunglasses and a hat to reduce further sun and dust exposure
- Lubricating eye drops for dryness and irritation
- Short courses of anti-inflammatory drops for flare-ups
- Surgical excision with a conjunctival autograft (a small graft of your own conjunctiva) to reduce regrowth
- Mitomycin C or other measures during surgery to reduce recurrence
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Will a pterygium go away on its own?
No. It may stay the same size for years or slowly grow. Drops ease the irritation but do not remove it.
Does pterygium come back after surgery?
It can, which is why modern surgery uses a graft of your own conjunctiva and sometimes medication to reduce the chance of regrowth. Protecting the eyes from sun afterwards also helps.
Is a pterygium the same as a cataract?
No. A pterygium grows on the surface of the eye. A cataract is clouding of the lens inside the eye. Both can blur vision, and they are treated differently.
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