Pterygium Surgery
What is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth of tissue on the surface of the eye, specifically encroaching onto the cornea, which is the clear window of the eye. Pterygium is one of several abnormal growths that can affect the eye and impact its appearance and function. Australia has one of the highest rates of pterygia (the plural of pterygium) in the world due to our sunny climate, outdoor lifestyle, and high UV exposure, which makes protecting the eyes from UV damage especially important. Sun exposure is a primary risk factor for developing these growths. When they are small, pterygia may not cause any concern at all; however, as they enlarge, they can lead to patient concerns about vision and appearance. Larger pterygia may cause redness, irritation, corneal scarring, reduced vision, irregular astigmatism, tearing, and an unsightly appearance. Using sunglasses and protective measures can help prevent pterygium.
Symptoms of a Pterygium
A pterygium often presents as a triangular, fleshy growth of tissue that extends from the white part of the eye onto the cornea. This abnormal growth is most commonly linked to prolonged UV light exposure, making it especially prevalent among people with an outdoor lifestyle, such as those living on the Gold Coast. The first signs of a pterygium are usually irritation—patients may notice itching, burning, or a gritty sensation in the affected eye. Redness and inflammation are also common, and these symptoms can often be eased with lubricating eye drops.
As the pterygium grows, it can begin to interfere with vision. If the tissue extends far enough onto the cornea, it may cause blurred vision or even distort your glasses prescription. Many patients experience significant irritation, particularly if the growth becomes large or has been present for a long time. Left untreated, a pterygium can lead to more serious eye conditions such as deep corneal scarring.
Modern surgical techniques, such as surgical removal with a conjunctival autograft, offer highly effective treatment options for pterygium and help prevent recurrence. Most patients who undergo pterygium surgery can return to their normal activities, within a short period. Dr Cronin, recommends considering surgical treatment for patients who have not found relief with other options, especially those frequently exposed to UV light.
After surgery, it is normal to experience some redness and inflammation, but these symptoms are typically managed with eye drops and subside within a few weeks. With proper care and by wearing sunglasses that block UV light, patients can reduce the risk of developing a recurrent pterygium and enjoy a full recovery with clear vision.
Can it be Fixed?
If a pterygium is small and not causing problems then no treatment is required. However, a pterygium is damage that has been caused by the sun and as such, you should wear broad brimmed hats and good quality UV blocking wrap-around sunglasses. It is important to wear sunglasses regularly to protect your eyes from further UV damage and reduce the risk of pterygium recurrence. Ensure your sunglasses are purchased from your optometrist or reputable eyewear store and beware of cheap online websites as these inferior lenses may not meet Australian UV blocking standards, or even worse, may be counterfeit with no UV blocking qualities at all. During periods of cold or dry weather your pterygium may become red and inflamed – artificial tear supplements will often relieve this irritation. If you have persistent symptoms or concerns about your pterygium, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with an eye specialist to discuss your treatment options.
Pterygium Surgery
Dr Cronin performs the latest microsurgical pterygium removal operation, where the pterygium is surgically removed and combined with a glued or “sutureless” large autoconjunctival transplant to achieve outstanding cosmetic results with extremely low recurrence rates. This eye surgery is performed in a hospital. Dr Cronin’s expertise and extensive training in pterygium and eye surgery ensure that each patient receives the highest standard of care, improving quality of life by restoring comfort and vision.
In the same way that an iceberg is much bigger under the water than above it, your pterygium is much larger than the portion that you can actually see. It will generally extend a long way back underneath the surface layers of the eye and wrap itself around one or more of the muscles that move your eye. It must be meticulously and delicately removed. Dr Cronin specialises in surgery for diseases of the cornea so he is a highly skilled and experienced pterygium surgeon. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. So YES, you will be perfectly asleep for your pterygium operation. Most people only remember meeting the anaesthetist and then waking up in recovery. With modern surgical techniques, pain is minimized and recovery is much less painful compared to traditional stitch-based methods. For optimal recovery, it is a Queensland health that a responsible adult stay with the patient during the first night after surgery.
After the operation, post-operative care includes using eye drops to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This patient-centered approach ensures the best possible outcome and experience for each patient.
If you do not have private health insurance, Dr Cronin has very reasonable cost options for uninsured patients. Please contact the clinic for a detailed breakdown of costs and information about insurance coverage.