A pterygium is a type of growth on the surface of the eye. It is not cancer. It is triangular in shape and tends to grow close to the cornea. Often it is a minor problem unless it causes changes in your eyesight. Pterygia (the plural form of the word) are common in people who are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods of time, like those who live in sunny climates or who work outdoors.
How to say it
tuh-RIJ-ee-um
Types of treatment
If your pterygium isn't causing any symptoms, it may not need treatment. If symptoms develop, your healthcare provider might treat you with:
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Over-the-counter eye drops, eye gel, or eye ointment
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Prescription eye drops, eye gel, or eye ointment
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Surgery
Only surgery can remove a pterygium. But other treatments may help ease symptoms. Your provider may be more likely to advise surgery if:
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The pterygium is causing eyesight problems.
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The pterygium is getting larger.
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You can’t move your eye normally.
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You have severe eye irritation that won’t go away with other treatment.
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Your eye’s appearance bothers you a lot.
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You have a lot of tears.
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You have a gritty or foreign body sensation in your eye.
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You are finding it hard to fit your contact lens.
A pterygium will often grow back after it’s removed with surgery. This may be more likely if you're younger than age 40. In some cases, the pterygium that grows back can cause worse symptoms than the first one. It may be even harder to remove the new pterygium. This is why a pterygium isn't often removed with surgery unless it causes severe symptoms. If you have surgery, your healthcare provider will monitor you to see if the pterygium grows back.
A pterygium may be less likely to return if you have other treatments in addition to surgery. These treatments slow the growth of your cells in the area and may help prevent future growth there. The treatments include mitomycin C (MMC), fluorouracil, and radiotherapy. These treatments have their own risks. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the risks and benefits of all treatments.
Preventing a pterygium
Not all pterygia can be prevented. But you can decrease your risk by reducing sun exposure to your eyes. Wear sunglasses and hats when you are outside. Make sure your sunglasses block both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Decreased eyesight
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Symptoms that get worse
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New symptoms