{"id":1757,"date":"2020-07-08T12:52:40","date_gmt":"2020-07-08T12:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visionexpressstlucia.com\/?p=1757"},"modified":"2020-07-08T12:58:29","modified_gmt":"2020-07-08T12:58:29","slug":"pterygium-whats-it-really","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visionexpressstlucia.com\/pterygium-whats-it-really\/","title":{"rendered":"Pterygium \u2013 What\u2019s it, really?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A pterygium <\/a>is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea. The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye. This benign or non-cancerous growth is often shaped like a wedge. A pterygium usually does not cause problems or require treatment, but it can be removed if it interferes with your vision.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes a pterygium<\/a>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the exact cause of pterygium remains known, there is one theory that too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can lead to these growths. The condition is more prevalent in people living in warm climates and spend a great deal of time outdoors in sunny or windy environments. Also, exposing your eyes regularly to certain elements increases your chances of developing pterygium. These elements include pollen, sand, smoke and wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Symptoms of pterygium<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a pterygium does not always cause symptoms, when it does the symptoms are usually mild, including redness<\/a>, blurred vision<\/a>, and eye irritation. A burning sensation or itchiness might also occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pterygium<\/a> that grows large enough to cover your\u00a0cornea<\/a> can interfere with your vision. Moreover, a thick or larger pterygium can also cause you to feel like there\u2019s a\u00a0foreign object in your eye<\/a>. Wearing\u00a0contact lenses<\/a>\u00a0might be out of the question when you have a pterygium due to discomfort caused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How serious is a pterygium?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although a rare occurrence, a pterygium can lead to severe scarring on your cornea. Such scarring on the cornea will need to be treated because it can cause vision loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment in minor cases usually involves eye drops or ointment to treat inflammation. However, in serious cases, treatment can involve surgical removal of the pterygium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is pterygium <\/a>diagnosed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing a pterygium is straightforward. At Vision Express, our eye doctor may diagnose this condition based on a physical examination using a slit lamp<\/a>. This lamp allows the doctor to see your eye with the help of magnification and bright lighting. If your doctor needs to do additional tests, they may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n