Do I Have Pterygium?

Do you have a pink growth of a triangular shape in the corner of the eye that is closer to the nose?

Do you have eye redness and inflammation (swollen and tearing eyes)?

Do you have a gritty or burning feeling in the eye?

Do you have a feeling that there is a foreign object in your eye?

Do you have dry and itchy eyes?

Do you have blurred vision?

Does the growth on your eye spread towards the pupil?

Does the growth on your eye cover part of the pupil so you have vision problems?

Do you have difficulty wearing contact lenses?

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun without wearing sunglasses?

Are you often exposed to wind or dust?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a pterygium. A pterygium is a growth of pink fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva (a clear, moist membrane that coats the outer surface of the eye). It is usually triangular in shape and appears in the corner of the eye, on the side that is closer to the nose. It can occur in one or both eyes. A pterygium is also known as the "surfer's eye" because mostly affects people who are often exposed to strong sunlight. It is believed that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, wind and dust can cause a pterygium.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a pterygium. A pterygium is a fleshy growth on the white of the eye. It typically begins in the corner of the eye near the nose and grows toward the pupil. It usually grows slowly, but rarely, it can grow enough to cover the part of the pupil causing vision problems. A pterygium is a benign growth, but can be removed if it impairs vision. It can be asymptomatic, but it often causes a foreign body sensation in the eye. For many people a pterygium is an aesthetic problem. Diagnosing is based on an eye examination.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a pterygium. A pterygium is an eye condition that refers to a flashy growth on the conjunctiva. A pterygium is often preceded by a related condition called a pinguecula (it is a yellowish growth on the conjunctiva from which pterygium can develop over time). It often occurs in both eyes and is then called bilateral pterygium. Treatment involves relieving the symptoms with artificial tears, corticosteroid drops or ointments. In case of persistent symptoms or if pterygium impairs vision, your doctor may recommend surgery. In some cases, a pterygium may return after surgery.