What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a small triangular-shaped growth that occurs on the front surface of the eye. It begins on the conjunctiva — the outer lining of the white of the eye — and can advance onto the cornea, the normally transparent front surface.
What causes a pterygium?
Pterygium develops from exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight, and is more common in people who work outdoors or spend a lot of time in sunny conditions.
- It can sometimes cause eye irritation or redness.
- Rarely, it grows towards the centre of the cornea, which can blur your vision.
Treatment
For a pterygium that is bothersome, surgical removal is the only treatment option. The procedure is normally performed under local anaesthetic.