A pterygium (Greek, meaning wing) is a growth of blood vessels and scar tissue on the surface of the eye. It grows in response to damage from sun, wind, heat, dryness and other conditions that can damage the ocular surface. If the damage continues, the response can itself cause further damage.

The pterygium can become raised and irritated. Then the surface dries out, the lid rubs on it when you blink, and it can become sore and inflamed, causing further irritation and growth.

At first, only the appearance and irritation cause concern. If the pterygium continues to grow, it can distort the surface shape of the eye, blurring the vision, and ultimately can grow toward the centre of the cornea, covering the pupil and blocking the vision by preventing light from entering the eye.

Treatment

In the early stages, the use of wraparound sunglasses which protect the eye from the sun and wind can reduce further damage and relieve irritation and light-sensitivity.

The regular use of TheraTears eye drops every night and through the day can lubricate the surface of the eye and help to treat the damaged ocular surface. With time, the ocular surface may regenerate and heal, restoring the tear film, flattening out the pterygium, reducing irritation and preventing further growth. Tears Again spray may also help by coating the surface of the eye with a fatty layer and by reducing inflammation.

Ocular antioxidants taken internally may also help. Bilberry may reduce inflammation and lutein and zeaxanthin and astaxanthin are great for the eyes. Vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium may also be of particular help.

If the pterygium continues to grow, causing irritation, inflammation or affecting vision, surgery may be undertaken to remove it, replacing the defect with a graft of healthy conjunctiva, or ocular surface tissue, from the same eye.

The risks of surgery are small, but include infection, haemorrhage, loss of the graft and regrowth of the pterygium. All aspects of advice and treatment aim to reduce the risks of these problems.