A pterygium is a growth of tissue in the eye. While this tissue is benign, it can cause some problems. How can you tell if you have a pterygium and what can you do about it?
Common Pterygium Signs
You won't necessarily be able to see a pterygium growth when it first starts. However, you will feel it if it is there.
For example, your eye may feel itchy and dry. It may look red and sore. You may feel like you have something in your eye that is causing some irritation even though you can't see anything in there.
In some cases, you can see the start of the pterygium as it develops. Typically, these growths start in the corner of the eye by your nose; they then slowly spread across the white of the eye towards the other side. Typically, this kind of growth is a pinkish color.
While many pterygiums grow very slowly and don't move across the eye that much, some can reach the cornea. If this happens, then you may notice some vision impairment. For example, your sight may become more astigmatic than it used to be if a growth goes too far.
Common Pterygium Treatments
You don't necessarily need to have a pterygium removed. However, you're likely to benefit from some treatment to help you manage the condition.
If your eye is red and sore a lot of the time, then it may help to use eye drops on a regular basis. If the growth makes your eyes drier, then dry eye treatments like artificial tear drops will make things more comfortable for you.
You may also find that you can control growth by protecting your eyes from the sun and its UV rays. For example, your ophthalmologist may recommend that you wear wraparound sunglasses and a hat when you are outdoors on sunny days.
Your ophthalmologist may, however, need to take things further if the growth continues to move across your eye. If it impairs your vision, then it might be better to have it surgically removed. This also works if you find it hard to manage the side-effects of the growth or if it makes everyday life too uncomfortable for you.
If you think you may have a pterygium, then you should make an appointment at an ophthalmology eye care clinic They can assess your eyes and work out what the problem is. They can also give you more information on possible treatments and care plans if you do have a pterygium.
Share4 September 2020
When it comes to parenting, taking care of your kids can feel like a daily guessing game. You might wonder why your child is acting so fussy, only to figure out a few days later that they are suffering from a cold. Unfortunately, the symptoms of poor vision can be even more difficult to notice, which is why taking your child to an optometrist is so crucial. This blog is all about noticing the signs of eye problems and taking your child to the eye doctor right away. By paying attention and being proactive about eye problems, you can keep your child healthy and happy.