Description

Pterygium is a wing-shaped fold of conjunctiva encroaching upon the cornea from either side within the interpalpebral fissure. Usually seen in old age and is more common in males doing outdoor work. It may be unilateral or bilateral. Usually present on the nasal side but may also occur on the temporal side.

Often a person with pterygium (surfer's eye) may notice the formation of growth in the eye but may not experience any other symptoms. If other symptoms are experienced, they may include: 

• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Foreign body sensation
• Eye redness and inflammation
• Dryness of the eye due to reduced tear production
• Blurring of vision if the corneal surface is altered or “warped”
• Obscuring of vision if growth encroaches across the pupil.

Types

Symptoms

• Cosmetic intolerance - otherwise asymptomatic condition in early stages
• Foreign body sensation and irritation
• Defective vision occurs when it encroaches the pupillary area
• Diplopia

Depending upon the progression, Pterygium is of two types

• Progressive - Is thick, fleshy and vascular with a few whitish infiltrates in the cornea, in front of the head of the pterygium
• Regressive pterygium - Thin, atrophic, attenuated with very little vascularity

Investigation

• Eye examination – A wing-shaped fold of conjunctiva seen either nasal or lateral aspect of the eye
• Blood test - Diagnostic to allergy

Treatments

• Surgical excision

Ayurvedic Treatment

• Arma Cheda is indicated

Internal medicines

• Indukantha kashaya
• Indukantha gritha
• Haridra khanda

Procedures

• Anjana - Elaneerkuzhambu / Chandanadi varti / Sitamanashiladi
• Seka - Darvi kashaya

Department

Salakya - Netra