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Pterygium Surgery

Pterygium surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove noncancerous conjunctiva growths, also called pterygia, from the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue which covers the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids.

Pterygium is caused by lots of exposure to ultraviolet light such as the sun, dry eyes, irritation from dust and the wind, etc.

When is pterygium surgery needed?

A pterygium is usually diagnosed by its appearance and symptoms. Although, during the early stages, it may be confused for similar conditions such as pinguecula, which is another noncancerous eye growth that affects the conjunctiva. In some cases, there are no symptoms as it just develops. People suffering from pterygium have symptoms such as:

• Feeling a burning sensation on your eye
• May feel gritty
• Your eye may be itchy
• You may feel some sort of irritation where you feel like there might be something in your eye
• Your eye may look red

If the growth develops and gets into your cornea, it may lead to the cornea changing shape, which may cause blurry vision or double vision.

What does surgery involve?

Treatment depends entirely on the size and nature of the pterygium, symptoms, and whether or not your vision is affected. Dr Davey may recommend pterygium surgery when your vision is affected or when the symptoms are severe. During the surgery, Dr Davey will remove the pterygium as well and a portion of the conjunctiva from under the eyelid for him to graft the conjunctiva where the pterygium was.

Pterygium surgery is done under local anaesthetic. Dr Davey will prescribe eye drops and an eye ointment after the surgery, to prevent you from getting an infection and also assist the eye heal.