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Pterygium

A pterygium is a benign change in which the conjunctiva grows slowly and in a triangular shape over the limbus onto the cornea.
A pterygium is treated surgically if it causes harm or threatens the patient's vision.
UV radiation is a significant aetiological factor in the development of a pterygium.

A pterygium develops when the normal function of the limbus located at the border between the conjunctiva and cornea is disturbed. This allows the growth of a triangular wedge of vascular conjunctiva on the surface of the cornea (picture 1). The growth is promoted by a hot, dry, and dusty environment as well as UV radiation. It may cease spontaneously.
The lesion is situated in the lid space, usually on the nasal side of the eye.
A pterygium is often asymptomatic and discovered as an incidental finding.
A pterygium grows over months and years towards the central cornea and eventually may permanently decrease the patient's visual acuity and narrow the visual field.
In some patients the pterygium becomes irritated, causing daily inconvenience and tear-flow. It may be associated with significant irregular astigmatism that may disappear after surgical treatment.

Moisturizing eye drops can help with irritation symptoms.
As necessary, anti-inflammatory medication, such as topical glucocorticoids, in courses for inflammatory symptoms
Surgery is the treatment of choice if the pterygium causes problems or affects visual acuity.
A permanent scar is can be left on the cornea after surgical resection of the pterygium.
A pterygium often recurs after resection Prevention of Recurrence of Pterygium after Surgery.

Hacioglu D, Erdöl H. Developments and current approaches in the treatment of pterygium. Int Ophthalmol 2017;37(4):1073-1081. [PubMed]
Akbari M. Update on overview of pterygium and its surgical management. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol 2022;29(4):e30-e45. [PubMed]
Bradley JC, Yang W, Bradley RH, et al. The science of pterygia. Br J Ophthalmol 2010;94(7):815-20. [PubMed]