by Malouf Eye | Apr 29, 2024 | Dry Eye, Retina, Surgery
Pterygium, a common eye condition characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tissue on the conjunctiva, can cause discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbances if left untreated. While pterygium may not always require intervention, they can be surgically removed if they become symptomatic or affect vision significantly. This procedure to remove a pterygium is most effective at alleviating the symptoms associated with the condition.
Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
Before considering surgical intervention for a pterygium, it is crucial to undergo a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care professional. The evaluation typically includes a detailed assessment of the pterygium’s size, location, degree of irritation, impact on vision, and overall ocular health. Following a thorough examination, the eye doctor can determine the appropriate course of action, including the need for surgical removal.
Pterygium Excision: Surgical Procedure
Pterygium excision, also known as pterygium removal or resection, is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate a pterygium and restore the affected area of the conjunctiva to its normal appearance.
Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, local anesthesia is administered to numb the eye and surrounding tissues. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
Pterygium Removal: The surgeon carefully lifts and separates the pterygium from the underlying cornea and sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. The abnormal tissue is then excised, ensuring complete removal.
Tissue Grafting: In some cases, to prevent recurrence and promote healing, a thin piece of tissue is taken from another part of the patient’s eye or a tissue bank and grafted onto the area where the pterygium was removed.
Closure: The surgical site is meticulously closed using tiny stitches to secure the graft in place and facilitate proper healing. The stitches are typically absorbable and do not need removal.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
Following pterygium excision, it is essential to adhere to postoperative care instructions provided by the eye surgeon.
There will be eye drops or ointments prescribed to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
It is important to avoid exposure to UV radiation and wear protective eyewear to shield the eyes from irritants and promote recovery.
After the surgery there will be follow-up appointments scheduled with the eye doctor to monitor healing progress, evaluate outcomes, and address any concerns.
Can You Dissolve a Pterygium At Home?
There are no treatment options to dissolve a pterygium at home, there may be eye drops used to reduce any discomfort, but these will not cause the pterygium to go away.
Any attempt to dissolve the pterygium on your own could potentially cause damage to the eyes and should be avoided completely. Instead, consult with your eye doctor about the possibility of pterygium surgery.
Expected Outcomes and Recurrence
Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms following pterygium excision, with reduced irritation, discomfort, and cosmetic concerns. While recurrence of a pterygium is possible even after surgical removal, employing preventive measures such as regular eye exams, UV protection, and recommended eye care practices can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about if it is possible to dissolve a pterygium and treat pterygium without surgery. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
by Malouf Eye | Apr 10, 2023 | Cornea, Dry Eye
Symptoms of dry eyes can go beyond occasional irritation and discomfort. For many, even with basic treatments, the symptoms of dry eyes can lead to decreased vision and impact eye health long-term. If initial treatments are insufficient at controlling the symptoms of dry eyes, more advanced procedures may be needed. Among these procedures is the implantation of punctal plugs. Punctal plugs are small devices that fit inside the punctum of the eyelid where tears naturally drain. When placed, the punctal plug will reduce the rate at which tears drain from the front of the eyes and improve the symptoms of dry eyes.
How Tears Drain
Tears are designed to be secreted onto the surface of the eye on the temporal side and then moved towards the nose with blinks.
The structure of a blink pushes the tears toward the nose and the edge of the eyelid.
At the edge of the eyelid near the nose, on both the upper and lower eyelid, there is a small opening called the punctum.
This small opening leads to a canal that connects to the nasal drainage system.
Tears that are pushed towards the nasal side of the eye can be forced into the punctum and then drain through the nasal passage.
How a Punctal Plug Works
If tears are drained too quickly or are not produced rapidly enough, a punctal plug can aid in relieving the symptoms of dry eye.
Dryness can be due to a lack of or insufficient tear film over the eyes.
By increasing the amount of tears remaining on the eyes, the punctal plugs can improve the tear film.
Often, a punctual plug is placed in both of the lower puncta on each eye. These are the easiest to place and contribute the most benefit to dry eye treatment.
Types of Punctal Plugs
There are two main types of punctal plugs. There are temporary or dissolvable punctal plugs and permanent punctal plugs.
The temporary plugs are designed to naturally absorb over a set amount of time — typically 90 days.
These plugs can provide relief from dry eye for a short period while other treatments are initiated or can be a trial before placing a permanent punctal plug.
A permanent punctal plug is designed to remain in the eye until it is removed by an eye doctor.
These plugs are much larger and can often be seen protruding from the punctum when the lower eyelid is turned outward.
When Punctal Plugs are Used
Not all cases of dry eyes will require punctal plugs for treatment.
In fact, the majority of dry eye cases can be managed with over-the-counter artificial tears or warm compresses.
These measures are less invasive and can be done on an as-needed basis.
However, if there are symptoms that remain after these types of treatments are used, more advanced treatments are indicated.
Punctal plugs can be an effective and simple solution in these cases as they can be done on the same day, in the office, and provides long-lasting relief of symptoms.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Abraham Eye Center specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in punctal plugs. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
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