Pterygium Inquiry

I live in southern california.  I was recently diagnosed with papillary conjunctivitis and the start of a pterygium growth in both eyes. My left eye has more of an astigmatism than my right and the pterygium growth (in the left eye) has already entered the outer rim of the colored part of my eye.  I am uncomfortable yet not in extreme pain.  I am looking for information as to when to seek surgical options.  Am I supposed to wait till this growth becomes such an eye sore that i have no choice but surgery or is this something I can take care of early (with surgery)?  Ideally i would like to rid myself of any eye problems as soon as possible.  Any info regarding when i should seek surgery options or alternatives would help.
Thanks!


This discussion is related to PTERYGIUM REMOVAL.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Pterygium is usually due to lifelong sun damage (very common near equator) and/or contact lens wear.

When surgically excised perhaps 15% reoccur and often grown very fast after excision.

So generally the pterygium is only removed if it is growing, creating astigmatism of the cornea and is a major cosmetic problem.

Use the search feature and archives to read more about the subject and the surgery.

Be sure you are under the care of an eye md ophthalmologist.

JCH MD