Pterygium: To remove or not to remove it?

I have had a pterygium in my left eye for about eight years and over the years it has grown into the colored part of my eye.  The pterygium is very red and irritated and has a cloudy appearance starting over my eye.  I also suffer from dry eye and use artificial tears and Restasis daily.  I also have temporary plugs.  Unfortunately, my eye still feels gritty and dry.  I have a histoy of having keloids on my skin.  I have heard about the new surgery for pterygium and have seen my opthamologist who told me that there is a chance that the pterygium can reoccur, and that I am doing everything that is suggested for pterygium and dry eye.  Do you think with my history it is a good idea to have the surgery?  Any suggestions for other types of supplements, eye drops, etc. that I can use.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear curlyq33,

I would recommend you discuss with your doctor as intervention is dependent upon how much the pterygium is encroaching on the cornea, your symptoms and likelihood to affect vision.  Surgical removal with newer techniques has dramatically reduced the recurrence rate.  It might be possible to use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory if there is inflammation.  These are questions that you should discuss with your eyeMD.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[ljschmitz]

A related discussion, Newest Techniques? was started.