Introduction
In a nutshell, pterygium is not a dangerous eye condition since it is primarily a benign and non-cancerous growth of fleshy tissues in the conjunctiva. The term pterygium comes either from the Greek words “pterygion” or “pteryx,” which mean “fin” and “wing,” respectively.
Oftentimes, it is raised, red, and wedge-shaped, making it appear like a big blemish on the eye’s surface. The growth is usually triangular and looks like a butterfly’s wing or a fish’s fin.
In the Philippines, the common term is “pugita sa mata,” which might also be derived from the appearance of the benign growth. In Western nations, however, they call it “surfer’s eye” because it was observed that pterygium is highly likely to occur in people who are significantly exposed to the sun, wind, and dust, much like any surfer.
While it is true that pterygium is not that dangerous, it can still affect your eyesight if left untreated. Asian Eye Institute is the right facility to visit if you wish to find doctors in the Philippines who can provide treatment options for conditions like pterygium. If you want to familiarize yourself with it, reading this article can greatly help.
What Causes Pterygium?
Pterygium in the eye is believed to be caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other outdoor irritants, like dust, sand, wind, and dirt. Because of this, it is common in countries near the equator with a hot climate, like the Philippines.
External elements play a huge role, but other factors can also cause pterygium. Genetics plays a vital role, meaning you are at a higher risk of developing the condition if your parents or grandparents had it once, as well. The eyes’ overall health can be a determining factor, too, because those with dry eyes may be susceptible to getting pterygium.
What Are Its Symptoms?
In its earliest stages, pterygium will not manifest any noticeable symptoms. However, as the growth progresses, several symptoms might become more apparent. If you are experiencing the following, be sure to consult your doctor right away so they can fill you in on the different treatment options for the pterygium in your eyes:
- Eye Irritation – One of the most common symptoms of pterygium is eye irritation that manifests through an itchy, sandy, or burning feeling in the eyes. This results from the pterygium’s contact with the conjunctiva, which gives off the sense that a foreign object is in the eye.
- Redness – Another common symptom is the reddening of the white part of the eye, particularly the area where the pterygium is located. It is important to note that this differs from the redness when you scratch your eyes.
- Dryness – Some patients feel like their eyes are particularly dry. This happens because pterygium affects the conjunctiva, which helps keep the eyes moist or lubricated. With dry eyes, you are more sensitive to external objects, such as dust, dirt, and wind.
- Blurry Vision – Pterygium rarely affects vision in its early stages. However, if untreated for long, the growth may become more prominent and reach the cornea and even your visual axis, disrupting your vision and impacting the clarity of your eyesight.
- Eye Fatigue – Constant irritation can lead to eye fatigue, so people with pterygium can feel like their eyes are getting tired quickly. This is especially true for people who must focus when reading or doing other close-up work.
How Is Pterygium Diagnosed?
Pterygium is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The eye doctor will assess the abnormal tissue in the corner of your eye and determine if it is pterygium by carefully evaluating its size and appearance. They will also ask you whether you are experiencing symptoms like irritation, discomfort, and eye redness.
Other tests may also be conducted. A corneal topography exam may be done to closely examine whether or not the pterygium is already affecting the corneal surface. Visual acuity tests, meanwhile, can help evaluate if the pterygium is causing problems with the patient’s vision.
Treatment Options for Pterygium
Most people do not have severe cases of pterygium, so they do not cause irritation or affect vision. In such instances, they require very little medication (if at all). Sometimes, protecting themselves from harmful UV radiation is enough to stop the pterygium’s growth, so doctors recommend wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when going outside.
However, medication or even surgery might be necessary in severe cases of pterygium. Here are what those treatments entail:
Medication
Doctors might recommend eye drops or gels for patients experiencing minor discomfort. These medications temporarily relieve redness, itchiness, and other mild symptoms. They are also effective in lubricating the eyes and preventing them from getting dry and vulnerable to irritants.
Surgery
Pterygium eye surgery is also an option. Chronic and persistent eye discomfort or eye redness are some of the indications for surgical removal. This is also considered if the patient is unhappy with the appearance of the growth in their eye. In other cases, surgery is done if the changes are severe and do not stop, even with medication and UV protection.
Surgery is often done in severe cases before the growth can reach the center of the cornea. If performed later, the operation might cause scarring in the cornea and permanently affect the patient’s vision.
Surgical removal of the pterygium is done in an outpatient room with local anesthesia to numb the area around the eyes. The entire procedure can be done in about 30 minutes or less, depending on several factors. There are minor risks associated with the surgery, and there is a small chance (around less than 5%) that the pterygium will reoccur. It is essential to ask your doctor about these things before deciding to get operated on.
How To Prevent Pterygium
It might be true that pterygium is a fairly common eye condition in the Philippines, but there are ways for people to prevent developing this condition. Here are a few helpful tips to follow:
Wear Sunglasses and a Hat When Going Outside
High-quality sunglasses are an effective preventive measure against pterygium since they provide physical protection against harmful UV radiation. There are sunglasses (UV 4000 sunglasses) with large and dark lenses specifically designed to block UV rays that can cause damage to the conjunctiva and potentially lead to the development of pterygium.
In the same way, wide-brimmed hats protect you from the risk of developing pterygium. They also provide physical barriers that prevent prolonged UV radiation exposure.
Use Artificial Tears To Avoid Dry Eyes
Pterygium can also be caused by exposure to external irritants, such as dust, sand, and wind. If you have dry eyes, you do not have enough lubrication to eliminate these elements, which irritates your eyes. They increase your risk of developing pterygium in the long run. To prevent that from happening, using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops is advisable to keep your eyes moist.
Avoid Places With Excessive Dust, Smoke, and Sunlight
If your lifestyle allows, avoiding going to places filled with eye irritants might be better. Doing so is an effective way to protect your eyes and lower your risks of getting pterygium.
FAQs About Pterygium
Can Pterygium Cause Permanent Blindness?
Pterygium can sometimes block your vision and scar your cornea, causing damage. If the scarring is severe (such as in rare cases), it can lead to blurring of vision but will not cause permanent blindness.
Is Pterygium Surgery Painful?
In many cases, a pterygium will not go away on its own, but it will also not cause any problems aside from the mild irritation and discomfort felt on the eye’s surface. The appearance of the growth itself can be an issue for some individuals.
For those who want to get rid of their pterygium, surgery is an option. It is a quick and low-risk procedure that involves removing the entire growth and some of the conjunctiva tissues attached. The doctor will also place a graft onto the operated area to prevent the pterygium from developing again.
The entire procedure is done under local anesthesia. You will not feel any pain while the surgery is being done.
How Much Is Pterygium Surgery in the Philippines?
The cost of pterygium surgery depends on many factors, but there are ways for you to save money for the operation. One thing you can do is use insurance, either through PhilHealth or private HMO. You also do not have to pay the entire cost upfront because some facilities, like Asian Eye Institute, allow installment payments through banks. Just speak with our staff, and they will be more than willing to help.
Conclusion
Also called “pugita sa mata” or “surfer’s eye,” pterygium is a relatively common eye condition in the Philippines, and it is characterized by the growth of a triangle-shaped flesh in the conjunctiva. It is not dangerous in many cases but can cause irritation and mild pain. There are also instances when it can reach and scar the cornea, leading to blurry vision.
Although pterygium is often not dangerous, it is still advisable to seek help from a doctor. They can provide you with the necessary information for treatment, which might involve using different types of medication or undergoing surgery.
Asian Eye Institute is here to help if you are looking for a pterygium specialist in the Philippines. Schedule an appointment with our pterygium specialist, Dr. Sharlene Noguera, today through our online channels or mobile and landline numbers.
