What is Pterygium (Eye Tissue)?
Pterygium, commonly referred to as "eye tissue" in medical literature, is a frequently encountered eye condition. But what exactly is pterygium, and how does it form? Pterygium is a tissue that extends from the conjunctiva to the cornea, the clear layer of the eye. The conjunctiva is a thin, vascular membrane covering the surface of our eye, much like the skin covers our body. Pterygium occurs due to the thickening of the conjunctiva from external factors. Just as our skin thickens and forms calluses when rubbed by shoes, pterygium is the thickening of the eye's outer layer from external factors. Pterygium usually begins with a small yellow-white deposit called a pinguecula on the eye's surface. It typically appears in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions of the eye.
What Causes Pterygium?
Pterygium develops from the eye's surface being exposed to external factors. Working environments that are consistently dusty or contain chemical substances, as well as exposure to wind, are contributing factors. However, the most significant cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight. Pterygium is more commonly seen in people living in hot climates.
Is Pterygium Contagious? Can It Spread to Others?
Pterygium is a degenerative disease, not an infectious one. Therefore, it does not spread contagiously.
What Are the Symptoms of Pterygium?
Pterygium causes varying symptoms depending on the extent of its progression on the corneal surface. Common symptoms include stinging, burning, tearing, and redness. In more advanced cases, where the corneal surface is significantly covered by pterygium, it can lead to astigmatic changes and vision loss.
What Will You Feel During Pterygium Surgery?
What to Expect After Pterygium Surgery?
How to Prevent Pterygium?
Protection from the sun should start in childhood. Wearing hats and UV-protective sunglasses provides effective protection against UV rays. It is essential to avoid long-term exposure to dusty and windy environments. Smoking should be avoided, and you should not stay in places where people smoke. Especially operated patients should adhere to these protective measures.
When and How Is Pterygium Surgically Treated?
Surgery is performed if pterygium causes significant discomfort (such as redness, stinging, tearing), leads to vision impairment, poses a risk of progressing toward the pupil and threatening vision, creates an aesthetic defect that bothers the patient, or in other medical necessity cases. The pterygium tissue is removed from the cornea, and the remaining part of the conjunctiva is closed with stitches. To prevent recurrence, the conjunctiva can be folded under itself, the white part (sclera) can be left exposed, the direction of the conjunctiva can be changed, a piece of the conjunctiva from another area can be stitched to the site, various medications (antimetabolites) can be used, or amniotic membrane transplantation can be performed.
Complications of Not Accepting Treatment
If left untreated, pterygium tissue can progress and cover the corneal layer, leading to significant vision loss. When treated at this advanced stage, there is a possibility of leaving a white scar.
How Much Does Pterygium Surgery Cost?
The cost of pterygium surgery varies depending on the underlying cause and the type of operation to be performed. The treatment plan created by our specialist eye doctor after a detailed examination may differ from person to person.
For appointment and price information, please click here.The above information is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our doctors.