Pinguecula is a common eye disease caused by the growth of tissue on the surface of the eye, in the conjunctiva. Most pingueculas are harmless and may not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, they can cause dry eyes, burning eyes, or irritation, and can be quite annoying.
Pterygium can be seen with the naked eye as a raised, thin, yellow bump or plaque, usually triangular in shape, and occurs on the white of the eye closer to the cornea at the inner corner of the eye than at the outer corner. Pterygium can also grow large enough to encompass the cornea, and when it encroaches on the cornea, it is called a pterygium .
Symptoms of pterygium
Pterygium is most often an eye irritation and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have only minor symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms. Symptoms of pterygium that can be observed include:
- Dry,irritated or stinging eyes
- Sore eyes, swollen eyes
- Small yellow bumps or bumps appear inside the white of the eye.
- It feels like something is stuck in your eye, such as sand or dust.
- Itchy eyescan occur and in some cases, red and inflamed eyes may occur.
In some cases, pterygium may not cause any symptoms. However, if inflammation occurs or other symptoms such as the following occur, the patient should see a doctor or ophthalmologist for treatment.
- The size, shape, or color of the pterygium changes.
- There is yellow fluid flowing from both eyes or only one eye.
- The eyelids or skin around the eyes are swollen and red.
- Symptoms keep getting worse despite treatment.
- There are more and more problems with vision.
Causes of pterygium
The cause of pterygium is still unknown, but there may be important factors from eye irritation, such as dry eyes, as well as the eyes being frequently exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet rays from the sun, wind, or dust for a long time, causing the eye tissue to accumulate protein, fat, or calcium, resulting in a plaque or bump on the white of the eye.
Pterygium can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in people aged 40 and above or older. It can also be found in people who work in occupations that require them to be in certain working environments, such as people who work outdoors and are welders.
Diagnosis of pterygium
Initially, the ophthalmologist will ask about the patient’s symptoms along with a preliminary eye examination . Or may use an eye examination tool called a Slit Lamp to help examine the cornea, iris, lens, and the space between the iris and lens in detail and see any abnormalities in the eye more easily.
Pterygium treatment
Pterygium usually does not require treatment. However, if the patient has severe symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, redness, or irritation, the doctor will recommend that the patient use artificial tears, ointment, or eye drops containing steroids to help reduce inflammation and redness.
In addition, doctors may treat pterygium with surgery in the following cases:
- The lump or bump in the eye enlarges until it approaches the cornea, affecting vision or causing permanent vision problems.
- The eyes are severely inflamed and the eye drops used are not able to relieve the symptoms.
- The patient feels uncomfortable during normal times or when wearing contact lenses.
- Patients are concerned about their unsightly appearance.
Complications of pterygium
Complications of pterygium can occur when normal tissue in the eye expands into the cornea or black area, obscuring vision and leading to pterygium. Pterygium and pinguecula are eye disorders that occur in the same way, but differ in their location.
Pterygium prevention
Although the exact cause of pterygium is unknown, pterygium can be prevented by avoiding the factors that may trigger the disease by following these guidelines:
- Keep your eyes moist at all times. If you feel that your eyes are dry, you may use artificial tearsthat contain lubricants and have moisturizing properties.
- Wear sunglasseswith lenses that filter out the sun’s ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to protect your eyes when exposed to bright sunlight.
- If you are in an environment or have to work in a dry, windy, and dusty place, you should wear eye protection to prevent wind, dust, or foreign objects from entering your eyes.
