Pterygium

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Background

  • Also known as "Surfer's eye"
  • Benign scleral growth
    • Mass of collagen degeneration and fibroblastic proliferation
    • Begins near the medial canthus and grows laterally
  • Risk factors
    • Sunlight (UV) exposure
    • Windy, sandy and dusty environments
    • More common near the equator
Pterygium

Clinical Features

  • Triangular visible white-colored mass on medial side of sclera
  • Foreign body sensation with irritation, pruritus, tearing, dryness
  • Vision impairment (when pterygium has crossed the limbus

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical exam

Management

  • Naphazoline/ketorolac (NSAID) drops (if symptomatic)

Disposition

  • Discharge with ophtho follow-up
    • Irradiation and surgical excision.

See Also

Eye Algorithm (Main)

References