A pterygium is a pink, fleshy tissue growth on the conjunctiva, which is the transparent tissue that lines the eye. This growth occurs mostly on the inner side of the nose side of the eye and grows towards the pupil. The early symptoms of pterygium include a feeling as if something is in your eye or feeling gritty, burning, itching and redness. At this point, your ophthalmologist will use a slit lamp microscope to make the diagnoses. If your symptoms are mild, and your vision has not been blurred or obstructed by the pterygium, it is possible to treat the condition with eye drops or eye ointments which might include steroid eye drops.
It is usually caused by dry eyes, irritants or excessive sun or UV ray exposure. Although this fleshy growth may seem scary, this is not a serious condition; however, the tissue can cause symptoms of irritation, blurred vision, redness and discomfort. In most some cases, a pterygium may be treated with eye drops; however, occasionally pterygium removal surgery may be recommended if the pterygium causes vision impairment, is massive or is painful.
A pinguecula is very similar to a pterygium and is often confused; however, a pinguecula only grows onto the conjunctiva and will not grow across the cornea or obstruct your vision. A pinguecula will usually form in the inner corner of the eye near the nose, and although it looks similar to a pterygium, it looks more like a bump than a tissue growth. The symptoms of a pinguecula are similar to that of pterygium and are also caused by the same environmental factors. Pingueculae are usually treated with eye drops
PTERYGIUM SURGERY FAQ
- Is a pterygium a form of cancer?
No, a pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth and is not life-threatening. However, because it can resemble other ocular surface lesions, Dr. Enslin Uys typically sends the removed tissue to a pathology laboratory for routine confirmation to ensure the best possible care for his patients.
- Is pterygium surgery covered by medical aid in South Africa?
Yes, most South African medical aids cover pterygium surgery when it is medically indicated due to symptoms or vision threats. Coverage typically includes the specialist’s fee, hospital costs, and pathology. You can contact Dr. Enslin Uys’s rooms in Pietermaritzburg for assistance with pre-authorisation and medical aid codes.
- Will my vision improve after pterygium surgery?
Vision often improves after surgery if the pterygium was causing astigmatism or obscuring your line of sight. However, because the growth can change the shape of your cornea, you may require a new prescription for glasses once the eye has completely stabilised.
- How long is the recovery time after pterygium surgery?
Most patients can return to work within one week, though full healing of the eye usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will likely wear an eye patch for the first 24 hours and must avoid swimming and dusty environments for at least one month to protect the graft.
- Can a pterygium grow back after surgery?
Yes, a pterygium can recur, but modern techniques like “conjunctival autografting” reduce this risk to as low as 2% to 5%. By transplanting a small piece of your own healthy tissue to the removal site, Dr. Enslin Uys significantly lowers the chance of regrowth compared to older surgical methods.
- Is pterygium surgery painful?
No, the surgery itself is painless because it is performed under local anaesthetic, often paired with mild sedation. You may feel a gritty sensation or mild discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours after the anaesthetic wears off, but this is typically managed with prescribed pain relief and eye drops.
- When is surgery necessary for a pterygium?
Surgery is recommended when a pterygium causes persistent irritation, affects your vision, or becomes cosmetically unappealing. If the growth begins to pull on the cornea, it can cause astigmatism or eventually block your sight. Dr. Enslin Uys evaluates patients in Pietermaritzburg to determine if the growth is stable or requires surgical removal.
- What exactly is a pterygium, and what causes it?
A pterygium is a non-cancerous, fleshy growth that develops on the white of the eye and can spread onto the cornea. The most significant cause is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which is why it is common in sunny regions like KwaZulu-Natal. Dusty and windy environments also contribute to its development.
- What exactly is a pterygium, and what causes it?
A pterygium is a non-cancerous, fleshy growth that develops on the white of the eye and can spread onto the cornea. The most significant cause is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which is why it is common in sunny regions like KwaZulu-Natal. Dusty and windy environments also contribute to its development.