Pterygium
Pterygium is a growth of connective tissue that develops on the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye, and can gradually extend to the cornea. Although generally benign, it can become visually or aesthetically intrusive if it progresses.
Causes and risk factors
Pterygium is often associated with chronic exposure to UV raysat windto the dust or dry environments. For this reason, it is more common in people who live in sunny areas or engage in outdoor activities. The role of chronic eye irritation is also recognized.
Symptoms
In most cases, pterygium is initially asymptomatic. However, it can lead to :
A sensation of discomfort or a foreign body in the eye;
Persistent redness;
Inflammation or irritation;
Reduced vision if the lesion reaches the central part of the cornea.
Evolution and management
Pterygium may remain stable for years, or evolve slowly. When it's small and unobtrusive, simple ophthalmological follow-up accompanied by local treatments (artificial tears, anti-inflammatory eye drops) may suffice. On the other hand, if the growth becomes visually or aesthetically problematic, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. surgical operation may be considered to remove invasive tissue.
Pterygium surgery
Pterygium surgery is considered when the lesion becomes troublesome, progresses towards the cornea, or causes impaired vision or significant cosmetic discomfort. The procedure consists in removing the invading tissue, often under local anaesthetic. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is common practice to graft a small fragment of healthy conjunctiva (conjunctival autograft) at the site of removal. Although surgery is generally well tolerated, post-operative follow-up is necessary to prevent inflammation and monitor the healing process.
Prevention and follow-up after pterygium surgery
The success of pterygium surgery also depends on post-operative follow-up. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed over several weeks to prevent recurrences, often linked to exposure to sun, wind or dust. Wearing sunglasses with UV filters and using artificial tears are also recommended to protect and moisturize the eye during the healing process.
It is also crucial to protect eyes from ultraviolet radiation wearing sunglasses with UV filters, even outside the summer months. In addition, the use of artificial tears may be recommended to maintain good hydration of the ocular surface.
