Pterygium, Wing-Shaped Growth, and Pinguecula – Symptoms and Treatment of the Eye

In ophthalmology, pterygium conjunctivae refers to a tissue growth on the conjunctiva. The condition is also known as a “wing-like growth” on the eye. The growth has its own blood supply via its own blood vessels.

In advanced stages, the growth can extend onto the cornea. Pterygium conjunctivae primarily occurs on the side of the eye closest to the nose. From there, it grows toward the center of the cornea.

Its triangular shape resembles a wing-like fold and is slightly translucent. Slightly more men than women are affected. This eye condition is generally benign and treatable.

Pterygium conjunctivae causes symptoms such as

• a foreign body sensation in the eye,
• redness, or
• itching.

Occasionally, there may be no symptoms at all.

If the pterygium conjunctivae has spread to the cornea, it can lead to a decline in vision or visual acuity.

Distortions of the cornea can cause astigmatism, which results in blurred and distorted vision. While vision can be corrected with glasses, the prescription must be constantly adjusted to account for the progressive nature of the condition as long as it remains untreated.

In addition, a pterygium conjunctivae can impair the mobility of the eyeball. As a result, the affected person may experience double vision.

A pterygium conjunctivae may be associated with other serious eye conditions, particularly

• cataracts, as well as
• macular degeneration and
• eyelid skin cancer.

However, conjunctival pterygium is not the cause of these associated conditions. Instead, excessive exposure to sunlight is considered the trigger in these cases as well.

A common trigger for a pterygium is eye injury followed by scarring. Eye infections, such as those caused by Herpes simplex, are also possible, as are conditions resulting from other skin changes.

The main cause, however, is considered to be excessive exposure of the eye to sunlight. It has been shown that up to 90% of professional surfers later develop a pterygium conjunctivae. Their eyes are exposed to UV radiation particularly intensely and, moreover, without protection. There is already talk of a so-called “surfer’s eye.”

The Australian population is also affected at an above-average rate. Due to the proximity of the ozone hole, increased harmful effects of sunlight on the eyes have been documented in Australia. Researchers suspect that intense UV exposure triggers the proliferation of connective tissue cells.

In most cases, the side of the eye facing the nose is affected by a pterygium conjunctivae. UV rays mainly enter from the outer side of the eye. There, they are focused by the curved cornea, much like a magnifying glass. As a result, they damage the conjunctival tissue on the opposite side of the eye.

In most cases, a single glance at the patient’s symptoms is sufficient for the ophthalmologist to make the diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist examines the extent of the membrane-like growth. This is followed by a vision test.

Treatment depends on the stage of the condition. If there are no symptoms and vision is preserved, it may be sufficient to wait and see for the time being, monitoring only the growth’s progression.

For mild symptoms, treatment with eye drops is recommended. If necessary, anti-inflammatory medications can also help.

If there is no improvement or if vision is impaired, surgery is recommended. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Complications are rare. Aesthetic concerns are also an indication for surgery.

The ophthalmologist has several surgical methods at their disposal. One goal is to minimize the risk of recurrence as much as possible. Postoperative recurrence of the pterygium is rarely caused by UV radiation but rather results from a reaction to the surgical procedure itself.

Following eye surgery, the patient must continue to use cortisone eye drops for a period of time to ensure proper healing.

Since the main risk stems from increased sun exposure, simply avoiding UV radiation is an effective preventive measure. This does not mean you have to give up spending time outdoors, as this in itself offers many health benefits. Staying in the shade and, in particular, wearing sunglasses with UV protection are ideal preventive measures against pterygium conjunctivae.

To do this, you should choose sunglasses with wide temples that block sunlight from the sides: it is precisely this side light entering the eye that promotes the development of pterygium conjunctivae.

For dry eyes, artificial tears are also a recommended preventive measure.

A pterygium is a benign growth of tissue on the conjunctiva of the eye that often develops nasally toward the center of the cornea and the optical axis and can impair vision. Compared to pinguecula and pterygium, pterygium is characterized by a triangular overgrowth of the conjunctiva that can continue to progress. The development of a pterygium is influenced by various risk factors such as UV radiation, dry climates, irritation, as well as potentially genetic factors and damage to limbal stem cells.

The exact cause is not always clear, but changes in the conjunctiva and the growth of a pterygium can be positively influenced and slowed by wearing sunglasses and using artificial tears. Dry eyes and external factors play a particularly important role in this process. If a pterygium is diagnosed and is causing symptoms or begins to affect the cornea, various treatment options are available.

Treatment for a pterygium ranges from conservative measures to surgical removal. During surgical removal, the pterygium is excised, and a conjunctival graft is often performed to reduce the risk of recurrence. Mitomycin may be used as an adjunct to minimize the risk of regrowth. Surgical removal or intervention is recommended in particular when vision is impaired or functional problems arise.

Overall, pterygium is a benign but serious condition that can be well managed through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Even if a pterygium is removed surgically, the risk of recurrence remains. Measures such as wearing sunglasses help prevent the progression of a pterygium and protect the conjunctiva of the eye.