Information on Pterygium Eye Disease

Pterygium is a benign condition that can affect one or both eyes. It is characterized by the growth of the conjunctiva---the white portion of the eye---into the cornea. The cornea is the clear portion at the front of the eye that covers the iris and anterior chamber.

Cause

• The cause of pterygium eye disease is not known, but the National Institutes of Health note that people with frequent or excess exposure to sunlight and wind are at greater risk of developing the condition than others.

Symptom

• The growth of the conjunctiva into the eye is the only visible symptom. If the growth becomes large enough, it may begin to inhibit vision or cause irritation to the eye.

Treatment

• If the growth does begin to inhibit vision or poses an aesthetic problem, the standard course of treatment is surgical removal of the growth. Recurrence of the growth can occur and, according to healthscout.com, does occur in approximately one-half of all cases.

Prevention

• There is no proven way to prevent pterygium eye disease. Protecting your eyes from sunlight and wind exposure with UV-blocking sunglasses or brimmed hats may reduce your risk.

Doctor's Visits

• The National Institutes of Health recommend that people with pterygium or a recurrence of the condition schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.