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Pterygium, popularly known as flesh of the eye, is an alteration characterized by the growth of tissue in the cornea of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, burning in the eye, photophobia and difficulty in seeing, especially when the tissue grows a lot and ends up covering the pupil.
Pterygium happens more frequently in men from 20 years and can happen due to genetic factors or frequent exposure to sunlight, dust and wind, for example.
The diagnosis of pterygium must be made by the ophthalmologist through the evaluation of the symptoms presented by the person and changes in the eye identified through ophthalmological exams. As soon as the diagnosis is made, it is important that the treatment starts immediately afterwards, as it is possible to relieve the symptoms and avoid excessive tissue growth.
Main symptoms
As the tissue grows, signs and symptoms may appear, the main ones being:
- Itchy and watery eyes;
- Burning in the eye;
- Discomfort when opening and closing eyes;
- Feeling of sand in the eye;
- Difficulty seeing;
- Photophobia, which corresponds to the greater sensitivity of the eyes to light;
- Redness in the eyes;
- Presence of tissue covering the pupil;
- Blurred vision in more advanced cases.
Although most of the time there is the appearance of pinkish colored tissue in the eyes, some people may have the tissue growing more yellowish, being also indicative of pterygium.
Pterygium is usually associated with frequent and prolonged exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet radiation, dust and wind, for example, but it can also happen due to genetic factors, especially if there is a history in the pterygium family. The diagnosis of the pterygium is made by the ophthalmologist based on the observation of the symptoms presented by the person and evaluation of the eye through ophthalmological exams.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for pterygium is indicated by the ophthalmologist according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person and whether or not there is impairment of vision. In most cases it is recommended to use painkillers or lubricants to help relieve symptoms. Know the main types of eye drops.
In addition, it is important to wear suitable sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, as well as hats or caps and lenses that have a protective filter against the ultraviolet light of the sun. In this way it is possible to avoid the factors that favor the development of the pterygium.
It is important that the person with pterygium is regularly monitored by the ophthalmologist in order to check the growth of the tissue and if there is impairment of vision, requiring surgery in these cases.
Pterygium surgery
Pterygium surgery is indicated when the tissue grows excessively and, in addition to aesthetic discomfort, the person's visual capacity is impaired. This surgery is done under local anesthesia, lasts about 30 minutes and consists of the removal of excess tissue followed by a conjunctiva transplant to cover the lesion site.
Despite promoting the removal of excess tissue, it is important that eye care is adopted, such as wearing caps and sunglasses, as the pterygium may return.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- PAGNIN, André F. Identification and Characterization of Pterygium Using Optimum Path Forest and Optimization Techniques. Master's Thesis, 2011. UNESP-São José do Rio Preto.