conjunctival pterygium

A conjunctival pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is a growth on the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye (conjunctiva). It typically starts in the corner of your eye and grows towards the iris.

Characteristics:

• A raised, fleshy growth on the conjunctiva
• May appear whiteish or pinkish with visible blood vessels
• Triangular in shape, encroaching on to the cornea
• Can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea

Causes:

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, wind and dust
• Combination of environmental factors contributes to its development

Key Points:

• Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder [3]
• The growth can affect your vision if it covers part of the cornea [2]
• It's essential to consult an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment [not provided in context]

References: [1] - Sushruta was the first to describe pterygium in 1000 BC, the first recorded ophthalmic surgeon. [2] - Pterygium can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea. [3] - Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctival Pterygium

Conjunctival pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva. The main symptom of this condition is a triangular growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, which can cause various signs and symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

• Redness and irritation in the eyes [1]
• Inflammation, including bloodshot whites of the eye on the side with the pterygium [5]
• Itching and burning sensations on the eye surface [5]
• Dry eye [15]
• Blurred vision (if the growth gets large enough to obstruct vision) [4][15]
• A yellow spot or bump on the white of your eye [3]
• Feeling like sand or grit is stuck in your eye [3]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Discomfort and intermittent redness and irritation [8]
• A "foreign body" type sensation if the growth is raised [8]
• Ocular surface irritation, which can be asymptomatic but may become inflamed [9]
• Decreased or distorted vision after changing the shape of the eye [7]

Important Note:

While pterygium is generally a benign condition, it can lead to complications and discomfort if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult an eye care professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[1] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9 [15] - Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Conjunctival Pterygium

Conjunctival pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and diagnostic tests.

• Clinical Examination: A thorough physical examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the first step in diagnosing conjunctival pterygium. The doctor will examine the eyes and eyelids to look for signs of the condition, such as a triangular or wing-shaped growth on the cornea.
• Slit Lamp Examination: A slit lamp examination is a diagnostic test that uses a bright light with magnification to view the eye. This test can help confirm the diagnosis of conjunctival pterygium by allowing the doctor to see the growth on the cornea in detail.
• Visual Acuity Tests: Visual acuity tests, such as reading an eye chart, may also be performed to assess the impact of the condition on vision.

According to [3], the diagnosis of pterygium is based on the clinical appearance of the lesion. Typical findings include Fibrovascular conjunctival growth within the palpebral fissure extending onto the corneal surface; triangular or trapezoidal shape with the apex, or head, extending onto the cornea.

In addition to these tests, a detailed history and physical examination can also help diagnose conjunctival pterygium. According to [12], taking a detailed history is an important step in diagnosing this condition.

It's worth noting that while diagnostic tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis of conjunctival pterygium, they may not always be necessary. In many cases, a clinical examination and medical history can provide enough information to make a diagnosis.

References: [3] - Pterygium is one of the common ocular surface disorders. From two Greek words, the word "pterygium" has been derived: (pteryx) meaning wing and (pterygion) meaning fin. [12] - A pterygium is a wing-shaped fibrovascular proliferation of the conjunctiva that grows across the cornea. 1 Pterygium occurs more frequently in people who live in areas with high ultraviolet radiation. Dusty, hot, dry, windy, and smoky environments also play a part.

Treatment Options for Conjunctival Pterygium

Conjunctival pterygium, a growth on the conjunctiva that can spread to the cornea, is typically treated with surgery. However, there are some drug treatments available to help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears or topical lubricating drops can be used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by the pterygium.
• Corticosteroid Drops/Ointments: A short course of corticosteroid eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. However, these medications do not cure the condition and should only be used under medical supervision.
• Mitomycin-C (MMC): This is an off-label use for pterygium treatment, but it has been used as a fibroblast proliferation inhibitor during surgery to reduce recurrence rates.

Limitations of Drug Treatment

While drug treatments can provide temporary relief from symptoms, they do not address the underlying issue and may not prevent recurrence. Surgery remains the most effective way to completely remove the pterygium and prevent future growths.

• Recurrence Rates: Even with treatment, pterygia have a high recurrence rate, ranging from 5% to 88%, depending on the method used.
• Limited Effectiveness: Drug treatments may only provide temporary relief from symptoms and do not address the underlying cause of the condition.

Surgical Treatment Remains the Best Option

While drug treatments can be used to manage symptoms, surgical treatment remains the most effective way to completely remove the pterygium and prevent future growths. Consult a medical professional for personalized advice on treating conjunctival pterygium.

References: * 11. Role of Adjuvant Therapies. * 12. The primary treatment for pterygium is surgery, and the major problem of the treatment is the high recurrence rate, varying between 38% and 88% in bare sclera, 5%–30% in conjunctival autograft, and 0%–15% in limbal conjunctival autograft. * 15. The use of topical mitomycin C as an adjunct to pterygium surgery to inhibit the growth of fibroblasts was first described in 1963 and actively investigated in the late 1980s.

Differential Diagnosis of Conjunctival Pterygium

Conjunctival pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is a common ocular surface lesion that can be challenging to diagnose. To rule out other conditions, it's essential to consider the following differential diagnoses:

• Pseudo-pterygium: A fold of bulbar conjunctiva attached to the cornea, often caused by an inflammatory reaction [1].
• Corneal phlyctenule: A small, nodular lesion on the cornea that can be mistaken for a pterygium [6][14].
• Elevated pinguecula: A benign growth on the conjunctiva that can resemble a pterygium in appearance [3][12].
• Limbal dermoid: A congenital anomaly of the limbus that can mimic a pterygium [6][14].
• Limbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN): Malignant lesions that can be mistaken for a pterygium in their early stages [6][14].
• Papilloma: A benign growth on the conjunctiva that can resemble a pterygium [11].
• Nodular scleritis: An inflammatory condition of the sclera that can mimic a pterygium in its appearance [14].

To accurately diagnose a conjunctival pterygium, it's crucial to consider these differential diagnoses and perform a thorough examination, including a slit-lamp exam. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out malignant lesions.

References:

[1] Context 1 [6] Context 6 [12] Context 12 [14] Context 14