A pterygium is an elevated, wing-shaped growth of the conjunctiva (the covering of the white part of the eye) that invades the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It is ]due to sunlight exposure, especially in childhood and early adult years. 

 

A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growths, but can continue to grow across the cornea. Surgical excision may be necessary due to the following reasons:

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• The pterygium grows across the cornea and is at risk of covering the pupil, thereby blocking the visual axis.

• The pterygium causes a distortion of the surface of the cornea resulting in significant astigmatism. This can lead to distortion of your vision.

• The pterygium becomes red, inflamed and irritable, and does so on a recurrent basis.

• You are concerned about the unsightly appearance of the pterygium and wish for it to be removed.

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Excision of the pterygium alone can be associated with a high recurrence rate, whereby the pterygium may grow back in the same location. To reduce the risk of this, our surgeons excise the pterygium and use a conjunctival autograft, which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.