Pterygiums are very common in Texas and other
warm climates. The white part of the eye (sclera)
is covered by a clear transparent membrane (conjunctiva).
The ultraviolet light alters the properties of
the conjunctiva so that is starts to grow in an
irregular manner. This sun-damaged portion of
the conjunctiva is called a pterygium. Pterygiums
usually occur on the nasal sclera, the white part
of the eye closest to the nose. The conjunctiva
bunches up and can start growing in a wedge-like
manner over the dark part of the eye (cornea).
Pterygiums can cause the eye to turn red, feel
irritated, and tear excessively. It can also change
the shape of the eye inducing astigmatism and
resulting in blurred vision. If the pterygium
grows over the dark part of the eye, it can result
in permanent scarring resulting in a devastating
loss of vision.
See Pterygium Surgery |
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