Re: Pterygium

Posted By Bella on June 25, 1999 at 13:29:00
I have pterygium growths in both eyes; however the one in my right eye extends to half of my iris.  That same right eye also has a smaller pterygium growth on the outside of the eye.  The right eye tires often, seems to collect mucus around the pterygium, and also is causing eye astigmatism--none of these symptoms are that problematic at present.  Two opthamalogists have offered the following remedies:  the first wanted to remove the growth and graft a portion of corneal tissue, and the second wanted to scrape the growth and suture the corneal tissue.  Neither doctor would supply me with before and after pictures of patients who had had either procedure.
My questions are, if there is scar tissue from the grafting or scraping (I do tend to  keloid), will it be more or as irritating as the current pterygium?  If I've had the growths for approximately 12 years, and recurrence is probable, is the return growth the same?  Are incisions or grafting areas visible to others and do they interfer with vision?  Can you direct me to a site or resource where I can see what an eye looks like after the pterygium is removed?  In extreme cases of pterygium, is a lens transplant as in cataract correction, ever considered?

[HFHS M.D.-NI]

Posted By HFHS MD - NI on June 25, 1999 at 14:13:00
Pterygia are benign growths of the conjunctiva which are more common in people with outdoor exposure.  If they are not bothering you or affecting your vision, most ophthalmologists would not remove them.  It sounds like you have a large one and it is causing astigmatism.  It would be reasonable to consider having it removed.  There are several techniques but they tend to recur.  Some form of grafting is usually done in people at higher risk of recurrence.  No matter how it is removed, it should be less noticible than the original pterygium.
The specifics of removal technique can only be discussed with you by your ophthalmologist since he has examined you.  You can ask him what the recurrence rates have been in his hands.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.

[Bela__0__0]

Posted By Bella on June 25, 1999 at 14:30:51

Can you please tell me where I can see pictures of patients who have gone through grafting and scraping procedures?  Again, does the scarring from the procedure interfer with vision.  Is the cure worse than the problem itself?  










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