A pterygium is a fleshy non-cancerous overgrowth of the tissue on the surface of the eye which extends onto the cornea. Symptoms associated with pterygia include irritation, foreign body sensation, red eyes and blurry vision.
Pterygia or lesions with minimal symptoms can be managed with UV protection, lubricating eye drops, and anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid eye drops under expert supervision. If symptoms continue despite the above measures or if pterygium growth causes cosmetic concerns or blurs vision, then surgery can be considered.
Surgery involves removing the abnormal tissue that has grown on the surface of the eye. The gap that is left with the removal of a pterygium is replaced with a thin film of tissue (conjunctiva) obtained from under the eyelid.
Mild to moderate discomfort and a gritty sensation is not uncommon 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
Dr Bhikoo has an interest in post-operative pain management following pterygium surgery. He uses glue to secure the conjunctival tissue to the surface of the eye, thus avoiding the need for sutures. His technique of using intraoperative anaesthesia has been shown to significantly reduce pain and the need for oral analgesia following surgery, and his findings have been published and presented locally and internationally:
Ocular surface neoplasia is a type of eye cancer often mistaken for a pterygium. The two most common treatments include surgery and/or chemotheraputic eye drops, with radiation required in some cases.
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