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 | May 9, 2023 | Cornea
A pterygium is a common eye condition that affects many people across the world. Generally, pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye that can grow over time, distort vision and impact the appearance of the eye. Fortunately, if the growth is causing significant problems, treatment is available. The most comprehensive and common treatment is surgical excision.
When is Surgery Needed for a Pterygium
Pterygium surgery involves the removal of the entire growth from the surface of the eye. Surgery may be required if the growth encroaches on the visual axis or creates astigmatism, which requires vision correction.
This can be seen by observing how close the pterygium comes to reaching the center of the pupil and whether or not new glasses or contact lenses are needed due to the increase in astigmatism power of the cornea.
Who Develops a Pterygium
Developing a pterygium can be completely unexplained, but there are factors that increase the risk and prevalence of a pterygium beginning.
Patients at risk include those who frequently expose their eyes to sunlight, wind, and dust, as well as patients with past history of pterygium recurrences.
Construction workers are notoriously susceptible to developing a pterygium given the demands of the profession.
The Pterygium Surgery Procedure
Pterygium surgery is an outpatient procedure and typically lasts around thirty minutes. Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the surgery.
The steps to remove the pterygium and repair the eye will vary based on the size of the pterygium and its position on the eye.
The surgeon will remove the pterygium, cutting it out along with the abnormal surface tissue over the white of the eye or sclera.
It may also involve removing a small portion of the sclera when needed to completely remove the lesion.
After removing the pterygium, the gap in the sclera will be filled with a graft from your own conjunctiva, the mucus membrane of the eye, or can be filled with outside sources such as stem cells or amniotic tissue.
Once the graft is in place, an eye patch is placed and the procedure is complete.
Recovery from Pterygium Surgery
Most patients can resume their normal activities within one to two days after the procedure. It is important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
To speed recovery, avoid strenuous exercise, use ice or cool compresses, wear protective goggles and sunglasses, and make sure to use all medication eye drops as directed.
Additional follow-up visits are needed to verify that the entire pterygium was removed and that the graft is healed properly.
Benefits of Pterygium Excision
A pterygium excision is not a small procedure – it requires multiple incisions, excision, and grafting. Despite this, the procedure is very safe and effective.
This procedure is the main treatment for any pterygium that is creating symptoms – it will improve the appearance of the eye, reduce astigmatism, and improve the clarity of sight in the eye.
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 pterygium surgery 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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