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Pterygium: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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itemprop="name">Medical Encyclopedia</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="2"/> </div> </div><div><span>Pterygium</span></div></div> <span class="page-url print-only">URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001011.htm </span> <!-- Article --> <article><div id="d-article"><div class="page-info"><div class="page-title"><a name="start" id="start"> </a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">Pterygium</h1> </div><div class="page-actions"> </div> <noscript> <span class="js-disabled-message">To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript.</span> </noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p>A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that starts in the clear, thin tissue (<a test="test" href="./002326.htm">conjunctiva</a>) of the eye. This growth covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and extends onto the cornea. It is often slightly raised and contains visible blood vessels. The problem may occur on one or both eyes.</p></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Causes</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p>The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in people who have a lot of exposure to sunlight and wind, such as people who work outdoors.</p><p>Risk factors are exposure to sunny, dusty, sandy, or windblown areas. Farmers, fishermen, and people living near the equator are often affected. Pterygium is rare in children.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Symptoms</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>The main symptom of a pterygium is a painless area of raised white tissue that has blood vessels on the inner or outer edge of the cornea. Sometimes the pterygium has no symptoms. However, it may become inflamed and cause burning, irritation, or a feeling like there's something foreign in the eye. Vision may be affected if the growth extends far enough onto the cornea.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Exams and Tests</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>A physical exam of the eyes and eyelids confirms the diagnosis. Special tests are not needed most of the time.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Treatment</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-4" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-4"><p>In most cases, treatment involves only wearing sunglasses and using artificial tears. Using artificial tears to keep the eyes moist may help prevent a pterygium from becoming inflamed and getting bigger. Mild steroid eye drops can be used to calm inflammation if it occurs. Surgery can be used to remove the growth for cosmetic reasons or if it blocks vision. </p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Outlook (Prognosis)</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-5" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-5"><p>Most pterygia cause no problems and do not need surgical treatment. If a pterygium affects the cornea, removing it can have good results.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Possible Complications</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-6" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-6"><p>Ongoing inflammation can cause a pterygium to grow farther onto the cornea. A pterygium can return after it is removed.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>When to Contact a Medical Professional</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-7" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-7"><p>People with pterygium should be seen by an ophthalmologist each year. This will enable the condition to be treated before it affects vision.</p><p>Call your ophthalmologist if you have had a pterygium in the past and your symptoms return.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Prevention</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-8" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-8"><p>Taking steps to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light may help prevent this condition. This includes wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim. </p></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Images</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-tnails" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div name="Images" class="section-body" id="section-tnails"><ul class="img-grid group"> <li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/9553t.jpg" alt="Eye anatomy" title="Eye anatomy" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/9553.htm">Eye anatomy</a></li> </ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Pinguecula and pterygium. <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium" target="_blank">www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium</a>. Updated September 23, 2022. Accessed January 31, 2023.</p><p>Coroneo MT, Tan JCK, Ip MH. Management of recurrent pterygium. In: Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, eds. <em>Cornea</em>. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 145.</p><p>Hirst L. Long-term results of P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM. <em>Cornea</em>. 2020. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002545. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33009095 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33009095/" target="_blank">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33009095/</a>.</p><p>Shtein RM, Sugar A. Pterygium and conjunctival degenerations. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. <em>Ophthalmology</em>. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.9.</p></div></div></section> <section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 11/10/2022</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div> <div id="section-version" class="section-body"><p>Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. </p> </div></div></section><section><div class="section ency-citation"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title ency-citation"><div id="citation-how-to"><button><span>Learn how to cite this page</span></button></div></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Related MedlinePlus Health Topics</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-mtp" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"> </span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div name="Related MedlinePlus Health Topics" class="section-body" id="section-mtp"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/eyediseases.html">Eye Diseases</a></li> </ul></div></div></section></div></div></article> </div> <footer> <div class="provider-box group"> <div class="urac-logo"> <a href="https://accreditnet.urac.org/directory/#/certification/HCP-2/info"><img src="https://www.urac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Certified001.png"/></a> <p class="urac-logo-info">Health Content Provider<br>06/01/2025</p> </div> <p class="adam-info"> <a href='javascript:urac_open();'>A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC</a>, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). 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