possible pterygium?

[sjdet]

hi,

my right eye has been inflamed on the medial (nasal) side for a few days now.  today i noticed that in the region where the redness is concentrated, there is what appears to be a slight indentation of the iris, as though it is being pushed inward, with the normal darkness of the iris replaced by a somewhat cloudy color.  i cannot tell if it is elevated with respect to the surface of the eye, however.  my vision is fine and there is no pain.  but again, there is moderate inflammation on the nasal side of the eye.

i did my own research, and found that this may be a pterygia, where there are capillaries leading to a growth of the conjuctiva.  in my case, there are these capillaries leading to this very small discolored area of the iris, seemingly pushing it in.  the disturbance could be in the conjunctiva, as i believe it does cover the iris.

-is my hypothesis correct?  if not, what could this be?  
-what is the prognosis for whatever this is?  will it worsen, remain the same, or disappear by itself?
-is there any treatment you can advise?

i am very concerned, and would appreciate your help.  thank you very much.

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

I can't tell you a prognosis because I can't make a diagnosis. You cannot buy antiinflammatory drops as they thankfully are prescription medications.

JCH IIIMD

[sjdet]

Thank you so much for the message.  I will try to visit a doctor, but in the meantime, can you please tell me what's typically the course of progress of these pterygia, or whatever this is?  does it usually worsen, or necessarily alter vision?  is the inflammation going to be chronic?  would you recommend i buy some anti-inflammatory eye drops?

i would appreciate your help, thank you.

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

You could have a pterygium or an inflammed pinguecula or episcleritis. While none of these are terribly serious you do need to see an Eye MD for a diagnosis and treatment. Find one at www.aao.org

JCH III MD

[sjdet]

also, i do not live in an area with much sun exposure (american northeast), so i'm not sure what even could have caused this.