An experienced ophthalmologist will suspect pterygium almost immediately - a visual examination of the structure of the eye will indicate the growth of the conjunctiva onto the cornea, which is a deviation from the norm. There is no specific age limit for patients diagnosed with pterygium, but more often older people turn to an ophthalmologist with this disease.

Pterygoid pleura, which literally overlaps the pupil, affects people of northern and southern latitudes, as well as those who work in undesirable conditions and are forced to constantly come into contact with factors that irritate the organs of vision. This may be the influence of dust, smoke, sand, ultraviolet rays, chemicals.

Pterygium only appears over time. If the initial signs allow the patient to live a full life, then later he experiences significant inconvenience, for example, losing his vision. A small formation, growing in breadth and length, becomes noticeable to others and deprives the eye of aesthetic appeal.

Why does pterygium appear in the eye?

For doctors, the exact causes of the disease still remain a mystery. However, there are factors contributing to the development of the disease:

1. Constant exposure to direct sunlight is harmful to the eyes, so if you cannot avoid constant contact with bright lighting, you should wear sunglasses with UV protection to preserve your health and vision.
2. The influence of dust particles that enter the eyes and irritate the mucous membranes, leading to redness and swelling.
3. Pterygium develops faster if a person is constantly in a draft.
4. Genetic predisposition to the disease. As a rule, if at least one of the relatives suffers from pterygium of the eye, in subsequent generations someone will also be diagnosed with this diagnosis.
5. Fatigue of the visual organs due to overexertion when working with a computer.
6. Individual predisposition to eye inflammation.

If the patient constantly encounters one of the listed factors, deformation of the vascular pattern occurs. If you do not try to stop this process, the epithelium of the eye shell also undergoes changes. As a result, new vessels are formed that facilitate the penetration of fibroblasts into the cornea, which are responsible for creating the connective layer of cells. This is how the pterygium gradually grows.

Externally, the advanced form of the disease looks like a grayish film with triangular outlines, which partially affects the pupil. Most of the film is located on the side of the nose, and pterygium can simultaneously affect 2 eyes.

Symptoms of pterygium

Doctors distinguish several stages of development of the disease, each of which is distinguished by certain signs:

1. Weak, barely noticeable clouding of the periphery of the cornea. The patient feels virtually no discomfort.
2. The growth on the cornea is an opaque substance, visible to both the person and others.
3. Feeling as if there is a foreign body in the eye. Now the pterygium is located above the cornea, which means it irritates the receptors of the nerve fibers located on inside century.
4. Constant irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye. There is a feeling of dryness and lack of moisture.
5. Decreased visual acuity.
6. When the film becomes inflamed, the patient suffers from conjunctivitis, the eye becomes swollen and red, and tears are released involuntarily.

How to cure

Ophthalmologists offer 2 ways to get rid of pterygium:

1. Gentle, temporary - involves instilling drops into the affected eye. Also, some doctors prescribe periodically washing the organs of vision and making compresses from herbal infusions, for example, chamomile, but others advise caution in this regard. The affected eye becomes sensitive to any influence, so it is important to prevent the formation of allergic reactions. Artificial tears are used as a soothing agent that relieves irritation from the eye.
2. Cardinal – surgical intervention. After the operation, the patient forgets about physiological and psychological discomfort, so today this is the only option for a complete cure for eye disease.

How to avoid relapse

In some cases, a patient who has gotten rid of pterygium through surgery returns to the ophthalmologist after surgery with the same symptoms and is again diagnosed with pterygium. Moreover, sometimes the recovery time is very short - only 1 month.

Why is this happening? Leading doctors express their vision of the situation. It all depends on the types of correction of the disease:

• laser;
• some prefer traditional instrumentation;
• modern methods involve working immediately with familiar equipment and a laser.

Each of these treatment methods is good, but which will be the most effective in relation to relapse in a particular case, the doctor and the patient will have to find out a little later. If the method of excision of the film is not suitable, after the operation there is a possibility of recurrence of the disease.

It is also important to observe the following precautions after surgery, which the surgeon will inform you about:

1. Perhaps for correction recovery period After the operation, additional grinding of the cornea will be required.
2. The option of replanting a section of conjunctival tissue is being considered.
3. You should not reject the offer of an experienced doctor that the patient undergo a postoperative course of medication.

In addition, after the operation it is necessary to reconsider the previous lifestyle and may even change the region of residence or climate. There is no point in persisting and further ruining your health in a city where industry and metallurgy are concentrated. If you work in an office, you will have to set aside time to rest from the computer or completely change your occupation.

After surgery, it is prohibited to be in a room full of tobacco smoke. Remember that just recently your eyes for a long time suffered from irritation, swelling, redness, so give your vision organs the opportunity to recover and return to normal, this may take years.

Assess the level of cleanliness in the house, regularly carry out wet cleaning, install air purifiers and humidifiers. But you shouldn’t go to extremes, fearing everything and everyone - live joyful life full of health and bright colors! Finally, you are able to truly enjoy the world around you, looking at it with healthy eyes!

Pterygium (pterygoid hymen) is a pathological fold of the conjunctiva that grows onto the cornea. Residents of southern countries, as well as people who spend a lot of time outdoors, are more susceptible to pterygium. The disease is promoted by solar radiation, dust, wind, and chemical irritants.

As a rule, the detection of pterygium occurs in its later stages, since initially the disease does not cause any inconvenience to the patient and there is no reason to contact an ophthalmologist. The following are possible manifestations of a number of symptoms:

• Visual impairment;
• Increased eye fatigue;
• The appearance of itching;
• Feeling of dryness;
• Sensation of a foreign object in the sclera;
• Increased level of sensitivity to light;
• Increased moisture in the tear ducts.

Pterygium is divided into acquired and congenital. A congenital defect of the sclera may be a consequence of an intrauterine viral infection. There is also a division into non-progressive and progressive forms of pterygium. In a progressive form, the neoplasm may begin from the edge of the eye and subsequently close it completely.

To date, the exact cause of the development of pterygoid hymen has not been established. Meanwhile, factors have been identified that over time can lead to the development of pathology. These factors include:

• the patient's tendency to frequent diseases of the conjunctiva;
• negative impact on computer vision;
• hereditary predisposition;
• wind irritation of the eye;
• exposure of the eyes to various irritating factors (dust, chemical agents, sand);
• aggressive effect of ultraviolet treatment on the organ of vision (this is what causes the frequent registration of the disease in residents of southern countries).
• It should be noted that the development of pterygium is not influenced by either the gender or age of the patient.

The pathogenesis of the disease is as follows. Systematic exposure to the conjunctiva causes an increase in the vascular pattern, which over time leads to changes in the epithelial tissue of the outer layer of the eye. The many vessels formed facilitate the entry of cells such as fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of epithelial tissue. As a result, pterygium grows.

Meanwhile, the pterygoid hymen can either increase in size (progressive form of the disease) or remain unchanged (stationary form of the disease). Externally, the neoplasm looks like a grayish film with a triangular shape. The sharp edge of the film is directed towards the pupil. In most cases, the disease is observed from the nose, and both eyes can be involved in the pathological process.

The classification of pterygium includes 5 degrees of development of pterygium, and the first three degrees of spread of the disease involve treating the disease with surgery.

However, do not be upset if you are suddenly diagnosed with pterygium of the eye - treatment in your case should be prescribed by experienced doctor, which will assess the degree of development and spread of the disease and tell you whether the growth can really damage your vision in the very near future.

If the growth does not bother you and does not represent a serious cosmetic defect, it is quite possible that you will need symptomatic treatment for pterygium.

It is a completely different matter if, as the pterygoid hymen progresses and grows, the patient develops various complaints, for example, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, a feeling of dryness, eye irritation, which gradually develops into a chronic form, astigmatism, growth of the conjunctiva in the central zone, etc. .

Then surgical removal of the pterygium is the only correct method. Practice shows that the growth must be removed as early as possible in order to avoid future relapses, which occur in approximately half of the cases.

The disease progresses slowly and in the initial stages does not affect visual acuity, without causing any discomfort. Removal of pterygium in this case is performed at the request of the patient for cosmetic purposes.

However, if the pterygium begins to grow, then unpleasant sensations appear when blinking, lacrimation, and vision may deteriorate due to astigmatism, which develops as the film grows on the cornea. In such cases, urgent surgery.

As a rule, it is performed under local anesthesia. Anesthetic drops are instilled into the patient, and an anesthetic solution is injected into the thickness of the pterygium. The film is excised with a blade, the conjunctival defect is sutured. An aseptic bandage is applied to the eye. After the operation, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drops. No hospitalization required. There is no need to adhere to a special regime after the intervention. After 10–14 days, the patient can begin to work.

In advanced cases, when the pterygium completely covers the pupil, object vision disappears. Surgical intervention becomes technically more difficult for the surgeon and more difficult for the patient to tolerate. After surgery, vision may not be restored to the level it was before the development of pterygium, because it firmly fuses with the cornea, and its surgical separation disrupts its transparency. That is why it is important not to miss the moment when the operation will be performed quickly, efficiently and will not bring disappointment to either the doctor or the patient.

Features of the postoperative period are:

• severe pain, since the cornea, from which part of the pterygium is removed, is the most sensitive membrane of the eye. When it is damaged, which is inevitable during surgery, the so-called corneal syndrome develops, manifested by pain that prevents you from opening the eye and lacrimation. As soon as the corneal wound heals, the discomfort disappears;
• the possibility of bleeding from the blood vessels of the conjunctiva for several hours after surgery. This is not something to be afraid of! Just change the wet bandage to a new one;
• prolonged redness of the eye. Since the pterygium is completely permeated with blood vessels, when it is removed, blood may flow under the conjunctiva with the formation of hemorrhage. It resolves on its own without treatment within 1–2 weeks.
• Since sutures are placed on the conjunctival defect, at first you may feel a feeling of speck in the eye. Don't worry, the stitches will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days;
• Pterygium is a recurrent disease. If it appears again after removal, another operation will be required.

Remember that there are no traditional or medicinal methods for treating pterygium. this moment does not exist. If this formation appears in you or your loved ones, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist!

Various surgical techniques are used to remove pterygium, and the choice depends on the decision of your doctor. If the size of the pterygium is small, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia using anesthetic eye drops. The operation lasts no more than half an hour. After it, the patient must wear a special eye patch for a couple of days.

Unfortunately, after surgical removal of pterygium, its recurrence may occur. In this case, the probability of recurrence of pterygium can reach 40%. To prevent recurrence of this disease, the doctor can sew or glue a piece of conjunctival tissue to the area where the pterygium was removed.

In addition, the drug mitomycin can be used topically, which inhibits the development new fabric. After removal of the pterygium, anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to prevent the inflammatory reaction.

Surgical treatment (operation) of pterygium must be carried out during the period when the film has not yet covered the central area of ​​the cornea. When excision of recurrent pterygium is performed, marginal lamellar keratoplasty is performed. After removal of the pterygium, persistent superficial opacification of the cornea remains.

After removal of the formation, it is recommended to treat the eyes with anti-inflammatory drugs for several days.

After removal of the formation, it is recommended to treat the eyes with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drops and ointments (for example, Levomycetin, Tobradex) for several days.

In any treatment, especially surgical treatment, some complications are possible, for example, an unsuitable graft or an allergic reaction to the suture material, so it is necessary to consult before the operation and carry it out only with highly qualified specialists.

If you are familiar with this incomprehensible word “pterygium,” then you are one of those people who have encountered this disease. Despite the fact that signs of pterygium are visible to the naked eye, you should consult an ophthalmologist to diagnose the disease. It is very important to find out with your doctor whether your disease is progressive and how quickly this process occurs.

Remember that the sooner you see a doctor, the higher the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome. Cases where the pterygoid hymen went away on its own or was cured by any “ folk remedies", not recorded. Treatment can only be performed surgically. After the operation, the eye will look normal.

However, due to the fact that the main causes of pterygium are considered to be heredity, untreated conjunctival diseases and increased eye irritation, the pterygium may reappear.
Until the conjunctiva grows to the pupil of the eye, we can only talk about a negative cosmetic effect. However, the growth of pterygium on the pupil can lead to significant loss of vision even after a successful operation to eliminate this growth. Therefore, under no circumstances self-medicate with folk remedies.

The word pterygium is translated from Latin as “Wing”. The formation itself resembles a red wing of inflamed vessels on the conjunctiva. This hymen very often occurs in older people, and its growth over time leads to sharp decline quality of vision or its complete loss.

Why does such a strange disease occur, and how can you get rid of it?

When a person notices a strange wing-shaped hymen that grows in size over time, he has a logical question about the reasons for the development of the disease. Ophthalmologists were not able to accurately identify all the provoking factors, but some of them can still be named:

• aggressive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is especially important for residents of southern countries and regions;
• heredity;
• constant windy weather, which over time leads to disruption of the visual apparatus;
• frequent contact with sand or dust in the eye, which is typical for residents of steppe regions;
• tendency of the conjunctiva to constant inflammation;
• the impact of computers and television on the functioning of the eye apparatus.

Pterygium occurs only under conditions of frequent exposure to stimulating factors. Initially, the vascular pattern increases, and after this changes in the epithelial tissue are observed.

Complex effect on the cause of inflammation and bacterial infection - Tobradex eye drops.

Constant exposure to sand and wind on the mucous membrane of the visual organ can provoke the development of the disease

Patients consult a doctor in cases where the pterygoid hymen reaches a decent size. However, the development of the problem can be noticed earlier by characteristic symptoms. Which of them most often bother a person diagnosed with pterygium:

1. The appearance of cloudiness in the eyes, especially in the peripheral zone.
2. Foreign body sensation.
3. The appearance of a characteristic growth on the eyeball, which is easy to notice due to its opacity.
4. Dryness occurs because there is no tear film on the surface of this formation.
5. A person is constantly worried about eye irritation, which is expressed in redness, the appearance of sharp pain and stinging.

If the neoplasm becomes inflamed, the person is overtaken by sharp pain and increased lacrimation. The more the disease develops, the more noticeable its symptoms.

For what ailments is the use of Tobrazon eye drops justified, read the article.

The first symptoms are a feeling of dryness and a foreign body

Broad-spectrum antibiotic for topical use in ophthalmology - instructions for use of Tobrex eye drops.

The easiest way to identify pterygium is by visual examination. The doctor notices the tumor, evaluates its shape and character. The patient’s age, place of residence and field of activity are taken into account.

However, visual examination does not give an unambiguous picture, so it is impossible to make a diagnosis using this technique alone. Doctors usually use slit microscopy. With its help, it is possible to examine the lesion, assess the degree of development of the disease, and, based on these data, prescribe treatment.

The doctor should also conduct an oral interview with the patient, with the help of which accompanying symptoms can be identified. Some ophthalmologists test vision to note how much the pterygium affects acuity.

Only after a competent diagnosis carried out by a specialist can you proceed to prescribing medications and treatment. At the same time, the doctor must find out whether the person has allergic reactions for certain drugs.

A slit lamp will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

Find out how to choose tint lenses with diopters here.

Pterygium should never be ignored. The thing is that over time the symptoms will begin to progress, and visual acuity will noticeably decrease. The sooner the patient undertakes treatment, the more noticeable the result will be.

If the growth does not affect the pupil and does not increase in size, doctors advise avoiding surgical intervention. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, such as:

• Nevanak;
• Diclofenac;
• Broxinac;
• Tsiprolet.

The consequence of poor circulation in the eyeball is peripheral retinal dystrophy.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

There are times when you simply cannot do without removing the growth. What symptoms indicate the need for surgical intervention:

1. Increased lacrimation.
2. Discomfort when blinking.
3. A sharp decrease in visual acuity.

In such cases we're talking about about the rapid growth of pterygium. Doctors perform surgery under general anesthesia and remove the growth. You can also resort to the procedure to improve the cosmetic appearance of your eyes.

After surgery, it is necessary not only to be observed by a doctor, but also to use antibacterial drops, such as Tobradex and Levomycetin. With their help, it will be possible to minimize the risk of unpleasant consequences.

Another way to remove the growth is laser surgery. Its essence lies in the fact that with the help of a special apparatus the growth is cauterized and the head of the pterygoid hymen is removed. Modern equipment allows you to quickly and effectively remove the growth. That is why laser therapy is considered the best way to combat pterygium.

A modern method of vision correction and restoration is perifocal spectacle lenses.

Anatomy of a pterygium

Therapy of acute allergic conjunctivitis - instructions for the use of Polinadim eye drops.

If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, the prognosis is always positive. Doctors can either stop the growth of the pterygium or remove it surgically. As a result, the risk of vision loss is eliminated.

Preventive measures for this diagnosis also exist, and here are the main ones:

• treat eye inflammations, such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis, in a timely manner;
• protect eyes from ultraviolet radiation;
• protect eyes from wind and dust;
• undergo a timely examination by an ophthalmologist.

Pterygium often recurs. That is why, if you are predisposed to such a problem, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations.

Antiviral and immunomodulatory drug! - Study the instructions for Poludan eye drops using the link.

Contact lenses should be removed 5 minutes before instillation.

Evidence of progression dangerous disease- clouding of the cornea of ​​the eye.

If pterygium has been removed through surgery or laser therapy, it is very important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Doctors also recommend not to strain your eyes by frequent contact with the computer.

The drug contains hormonal and antibacterial components

This article will help you find out the causes of clouding of the lens of the eye.

It is important to understand that this article is for informational purposes only. That is why it is better to consult a doctor for informed advice on how to combat pterygium.

This disease is often underestimated by patients, but it can result in serious complications. That is why doctors recommend undergoing a timely examination and not ignoring medical advice.

Pterygium or pterygoid hymen is a gradually growing formation that consists of the conjunctiva that has undergone degenerative changes. Most often it has a triangular shape, with its apex directed towards the cornea. May occur after glaucoma surgery.

In order to avoid the development of pterygium, the following precautions must be observed:

• Prevent direct ultraviolet rays from hitting the eyeball with sunglasses or hats.
• Avoid eye contact with poisons, toxic substances and dust.
• Maintain eye strain, including when working with a computer.
• If necessary, use moisturizing eye drops.

To avoid the development of serious diseases and possible complications, at the slightest discomfort in the eyes, it would be better to consult an ophthalmologist.

Attention! The information on the site is presented by specialists, but is for informational purposes only and cannot be used for independent treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor!

Have you sometimes noticed in the eyes of an elderly person a red film located on the conjunctiva? It appears as if blood vessels have formed a path in the inner or outer corner of the eye. This phenomenon is called - pterygium (translated from Latin as “wing”). This wing-shaped hymen on the conjunctiva can gradually move to the cornea of ​​the eye. In advanced cases, the pterygium even reaches the pupil and, closing it, leads to loss of vision. Let's look at the causes and specifics of treatment for this disease.

Pterygium is a fairly common disease of the conjunctiva of the eyeball, in which it grows on the cornea of ​​the eye. This disease occurs in representatives of different age groups, but most often occurs in mature and elderly people.

Pterygium is the scourge of the peoples of the south and north, as well as people who regularly expose their eyes to various irritating influences (dust, wind, sand, intense rays of the sun, chemical irritants).

The disease progresses over time. The histological prerequisite for the formation of the pterygoid hymen is the same origin of the conjunctiva and cornea. Many people do not even notice the development of a pathological disorder due to the small and initially barely noticeable size of the tumor.

Sometimes the pterygium quickly grows and moves towards the pupil, instantly reducing a person’s visual acuity and leading to a significant cosmetic defect.

To date, the exact causes of of this disorder not installed. At the same time, factors have been identified that increase the risk of its development. Let's name the main ones:

• Aggressive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Residents of southern countries and regions are more susceptible to this risk. Representatives of the Mongoloid race are at particular risk, as they have to take very careful care of their eyes. It is in them that pterygium occurs most often.
• Frequent exposure to dust and other irritating factors.
• Wind irritation.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Negative effect on computer eyes.
• Tendency of the conjunctiva to constant inflammation.

Pterygium develops as follows. With the systematic influence of the above factors on the eyeball and with constant inflammation of the conjunctiva, there is a tendency to increase the vascular pattern. If this process occurs frequently and lasts a long time, then the epithelial tissue of the outer shell of the eye also undergoes changes. Many new vessels are formed, facilitating the penetration of fibroblasts into the cornea, which begin to produce connective tissue. As a result, pterygium grows.

Over time, the pterygium increases in size (progressive form) or remains unchanged (stationary pterygium).

The neoplasm becomes very noticeable on the eye and has the appearance of a grayish triangular film. The sharp edge of this film is directed towards the pupil and most often develops from the side of the nose. One eye or both eyes may be affected at the same time.

Depending on the stage of development of pterygium, patients note both the absence of symptoms and its significant severity. Slight clouding of the corneal periphery is the first sign of a developing disorder. At this stage, the patient usually has no complaints. There is only a subtle cosmetic defect.

The second stage is the appearance of a growth on the cornea, which has an opaque consistency. This growth is already more noticeable and usually develops from the side of the nose.

The sensation of a foreign body in the eye means that the pterygium begins to rise above the surface of the cornea. The hymen irritates the receptors of the nerve endings located on the inside of the eyelid.

If the irritation of the eye does not stop, it means that the healthy part of the cornea is damaged and a new growth is already growing on it. In this case, the eye constantly feels dry, the reason for which is the absence of a tear film on the surface of the neoplasm.

A symptom of gradual vision loss occurs when a pterygium grows on the center of the cornea, resulting in disruption of the passage of light into the eyeball.

If the pterygium is inflamed, hyperemia of the eyeball, itching, swelling of the conjunctiva, and increased lacrimation are observed.

This is what progressive pterygium looks like

This pathology is easily identified, since patients with pterygium go to a medical facility when the growth becomes noticeable to the naked eye.

Slit microscopy (biomicroscopy) helps the ophthalmologist examine the lesion in detail. This examination allows you to evaluate the outline of the pterygium, examine its surface, and determine the degree of its fusion with the cornea.

Pterygium is treated with conservative and surgical methods. If the growth does not affect the pupil and does not cause serious discomfort to the patient, it does not need to be removed. The operation in this case is not mandatory and is performed solely at the request of the patient in order to eliminate a cosmetic defect. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy, and medications are also prescribed to moisturize the eye.

However, if the pterygium begins to grow, then unpleasant symptoms appear:

• discomfort when blinking;
• lacrimation;
• deterioration of vision due to developing astigmatism.

In such cases, urgent surgery is required. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. Anesthetic drops are instilled into the patient, and an anesthetic solution is injected into the thickness of the growth. The film is excised with a blade, and the conjunctival defect is sutured. An aseptic bandage is applied to the eye.

After the operation, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drops (Levomycetin, Tobradex, etc.), and the patient goes home. After two weeks of recovery, he can start working.

The development of this pathology must be closely monitored, promptly preventing the growth of the hymen on the central parts of the cornea. It is better to eliminate the growing hymen at the periphery of the cornea. If the tumor reaches the projection of the pupil, then after its excision there is a risk of developing clouding, which will further reduce visual acuity. If the excision of the pterygium occurs on the periphery, then the resulting clouding will be invisible.

The removed growth tends to recur. Moreover, relapses of pterygium are more aggressive. In order to prevent relapse, a section of the conjunctiva is sutured to the remainder of the pterygium remaining in the eye after removal, which prevents its new growth.

The tumor can also be eliminated by laser. This method involves cauterization with a laser, during which the head of the pterygoid hymen is removed. Today, the laser route is considered the safest, most effective and least traumatic, since modern equipment prevents the occurrence of complications. After removal of the pterygium, it is recommended to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation with sunglasses.

Progressive pterygium

In advanced cases, when the tumor completely covers the entire pupil, the patient’s objective vision disappears. Surgical intervention becomes more technically complex and more difficult for the patient to tolerate. After surgery, vision most likely will not be restored to the level it was before the development of pterygium, since the hymen is firmly fused with the cornea, and its surgical separation disrupts transparency. That is why it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and not miss the moment when the operation will be performed quickly and efficiently.

Ptegirium completely covers the pupil

Complications of the postoperative period:

• severe pain (the cornea is the most sensitive membrane of the eye);
• development of the so-called corneal syndrome;
• lacrimation;
• the possibility of bleeding from blood vessels in the first hours after surgery;
• prolonged redness of the eye.

As soon as the corneal wound heals, the discomfort will disappear. You just need to be patient in the first post-operative days. The entire pterygium is permeated with blood vessels, so when it is excised, blood may flow under the conjunctiva with the formation of hemorrhage. It resolves on its own without treatment within 1–2 weeks. Sutures are placed on the conjunctival defect, and at first the patient may feel as if a speck has gotten into the eye. But this also goes away after a week.

Pterygium is a recurrent disease. If after removal the hymen appears again and begins to grow, another operation will be required.

You should know that there are no traditional or medicinal methods for treating pterygium. When similar education You should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

As preventive measures against pterygium, doctors recommend:

• Protect eyes from negative impact UV rays, cold, wind, dust, etc.
• Treat inflammation and eye diseases (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, allergies) in a timely manner.
• Do not start an existing pterygium until it grows onto the pupil.

Anti-glare glasses for drivers - The best way avoid accidents on the roads.

All materials on the site were prepared by specialists in the field of surgery, anatomy and specialized disciplines.
All recommendations are indicative in nature and are not applicable without consulting a doctor.

Pterygium is an ophthalmic disease in which the well-supplied fold of conjunctiva that covers the cornea grows. Surgical removal of pterygium - main method fight against pathology.

The exact cause of pterygium has not been established, but it is known to occur more often in people living in sunny and dusty regions, as well as in those who work outdoors and in the sun. Low or too high ambient temperatures, toxins, and chemical reagents in the atmospheric air are of no small importance. Genetic predisposition, infection with oncogenic viruses, and the presence of dry eye syndrome play a certain role.

Pterygium causes a visible cosmetic defect and is fraught with serious complications. It is a triangle in the inner corner of the eye, which consists of dystrophically changed mucous membrane, which slowly moves from the limbus towards the central part of the cornea.

In the mechanism of development of pathology great importance has an increase in the activity of cell division in the mucosa, as well as an abundant proliferation of the vascular network, so the purpose of surgical removal is not only to excise the tumor, but also to prevent the re-growth of active tissue.

The thin part of the fold that fuses with the cornea is called the head of the pterygium, and the conjunctival fragment, rich in vessels, is its body. A significant area of ​​the pterygium disrupts the refractive function of the cornea and creates a mechanical obstacle to the path of the light beam, causing vision to suffer. The pathology can affect one eye or both at the same time.

Pterygium can take a long time to develop, but in some cases it reaches the pupil in a matter of months. Patients usually come to an ophthalmic surgeon already in the second stage of the disease, when the width of the pathological fold reaches 4 mm. Among those who asked for help, twice as many more men, average age- 20-40 years old, that is, young able-bodied people have to be operated on.

Indications, contraindications and preparation for surgery

The reason for surgical excision of the pterygoid hymen is considered to be the very presence of pathology, a cosmetic defect created by a fold on the cornea, and especially advanced stages when vision suffers. Pterygium creates an increased risk of secondary inflammation and infection, so surgeons prefer to rid the patient of it.

Indications for pterygium removal:

• Diagnosed with stage 2 or 3 pathology;
• Rapid progression of grade 1 pterygium;
• The patient’s personal desire to get rid of mucosal proliferation, regardless of the particular course and stage.

Operation contraindicated persons with acute inflammation of the membranes of the eye, in the presence of herpetic infection in the acute stage. An obstacle may be an allergy to local anesthetics and refusal of surgery on the part of the patient.

The pterygoid fold grows from the limbus - the inner part of the eye up to one and a half millimeters wide, in which the mucous membrane and sclera connect and due to which the corneal epithelium grows.

The pterygoid fold of the conjunctiva can only be removed surgically, Conservative treatment does not bring results, however, despite the abundance of surgical techniques, the risk of relapse is still quite high - up to 40%. Moreover, the relapse is more severe than the initially occurring pterygium. There are patients who experience numerous relapses, and the number of operations reaches a dozen or more.

In order to somehow prevent the recurrence of pterygium, ophthalmologists supplement traditional surgery with radiation therapy, treatment with antimetabolites, and transplantation of fragments of the patient's own mucosa or amniotic membrane.

Amniotic flaps help reduce the risk of recurrence, but can cause a serious immune reaction. Radiation therapy triples the risk of recurrence of pathology, but is risky for secondary glaucoma, clouding of the lens, perforation of the cornea, and softening of the sclera.

Preparation The operation includes a consultation with an ophthalmologist and a thorough examination, which consists of examination, biomicroscopy, coherence tomography of the eye, and determination of visual acuity. The patient undergoes standard general clinical tests, undergoes tests for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and blood clotting tests. An examination by a therapist is required to rule out possible contraindications from internal organs.

There are no dietary or fluid restrictions before surgery, but you will have to avoid any cosmetical tools and perfumes. You should not drink alcohol the day before; it is better to give up smoking for good. On the morning of the intervention, wash your face with plain water. It is worth bringing sunglasses with you to the clinic, which will be very useful on the way home.

Features of surgery for pterygium

The operation to remove pterygium does not require hospitalization and is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia with special eye drops. It lasts about half an hour, possibly longer, depending on the technique chosen by the surgeon.

Operations for pterygium are carried out in two stages:

1. Separation of growths from the surface of the eye;
2. Excision or movement of the separated fold and closure of the resulting defect in the mucous membrane.

According to the degree of complexity of surgical intervention, all operations for pterygium can be divided into three main types:

• Interventions with removal of pterygium.
• Surgical relocation of the pathological fold.
• Plastic surgery of conjunctival defect.

Operations to remove pterygium - the simplest ones. Abroad, they are produced with the sclera exposed, cutting off the body and head of the formation and leaving an area of ​​exposed sclera. Regeneration occurs before the mucosa grows to the limbus. The operation would have been good if not for a relapse, which develops in 9 out of 10 people operated on.

The so-called closed scleral exposure differs from the technique described above in that the wound edges of the conjunctiva are fixed with several sutures. The risk of relapse is up to 70%.

The second type of operations are techniques with pterygium relocation without cutting it off. Most known method- according to McReynolds. It gives a relatively small percentage of relapse - up to 12.5%. The operation includes several successive stages:

1. Treatment of the skin with ethanol and iodine, instillation of an antiseptic into the conjunctival sac, anesthesia with drops of dicaine;
2. Fixation of the eye with an eyelid speculum;
3. Anesthesia of pterygium tissue by injecting novocaine with adrenaline into it (the latter has the necessary vasoconstrictor effect);
4. Grasp the head of the pterygoid fold with tweezers and carefully separate the tissue from the cornea with excision of the main mass of the pterygium;
5. The conjunctival membrane is incised with scissors and separated to the lower fornix of the eyelid;
6. Apply a suture to the head of the pterygoid fold and turn it inside out into the pocket of the mucous membrane.

removal of pterygium according to McReynolds

The graft of the transplanted mucosa should not cover the cornea or leave a strip of open sclera; it is transplanted strictly onto the exposed limbus. The operation is completed by washing the conjunctival cavity with an antiseptic, placing tetracycline ointment behind the eyelids and applying a sterile bandage.

The described operation for pterygium is not without its drawbacks., the main of which are the so-called corneal syndrome and the inflammatory process, leading to subsequent relapse of pterygium. Corneal syndrome occurs in early dates after surgery due to erosion of the mucosa at the time of separation of the pterygoid fold from the cornea. Damage to small nerve fibers, pain, and spasm of the muscle fibers of the eyelids are the basis of corneal syndrome.

Another disadvantage of the McReynolds technique is that the limbus and pterygoid fold damaged by surgical incisions are not separated and cannot regenerate separately. Under such conditions, the healing mucous membrane can grow back into the corneal defect and relapse.

Suggestions from ophthalmic surgeons regarding the prevention of the described complications consist in the separation of the elements of the eye that have undergone surgical incisions, and the use of soft lenses covering the cornea, which is devoid of the epithelial layer.

Third group of operations for the removal of pterygium includes techniques with removal of the formation and subsequent plastic surgery of the mucous membrane with one’s own or donor tissue.

Removal of pterygium according to Arlt involves excision of the newly formed tissue, a section of the scleral mucosa and the application of several sutures to the wound edges of the mucosa. The disadvantage of the intervention is the removal of a section of the conjunctiva, which can significantly complicate reoperation in case of relapse, which develops in about a third of those operated on.

removal of pterygium according to Arlt

After removing the pterygium, foreign specialists perform plastic surgery using the patient’s own mucous membrane, which is cut out from different parts of the conjunctiva of the eyeball. Attempts are being made to use the femtosecond laser to obtain a mucosal graft. The probability of relapse is 40%.

Attempts to avoid recurrence led to the refusal of some surgeons to use any sutures. They fix the mucous flaps with special fibrin glue, which not only facilitates the operation and subjective discomfort after treatment, but also makes it less likely that the pterygium will re-grow compared to suture techniques. The disadvantages of fibrin glue are insufficient fixation and divergence of the wound edges, the possibility of cyst formation, and pain.

Surgical research aimed at improving long-term treatment outcomes continues. There is evidence of the use of extended conjunctival graft transplantation, in which the risk of relapse is almost zero, but such an operation is not yet widely used. It is possible to use the amniotic membrane "Flexamer".

Plastic surgery with your own mucosa or amniotic membrane after removal of pterygium can lead to complications, including:

• Impaired sensitivity of the superficial tissues of the eyeball;
• Inflammatory process.

It is easy to notice that any type of surgical treatment of pterygium is fraught, first of all, with relapse. This is the most common complication encountered by ophthalmic surgeons, and its risk depends on the method of surgery performed, individual characteristics the patient’s tissues, his lifestyle and type of activity. The skill of the surgeon is of a certain importance. According to statistics, the lowest risk of relapse comes from operations followed by plastic surgery of the mucosal defect using one’s own tissues.

Recovery after surgery

After surgery there is no need to stay in the clinic, so the patient can go home. It is better to be accompanied by someone close to you. You won't be able to drive. During healing, pain, pain in the eyes, discomfort during visual stress, and lacrimation may occur.

In the postoperative period, the patient continues treatment aimed at preventing relapse. Considering the mechanisms of pathology development, it is advisable to use radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Radiation therapy causes complications in the form of mucosal ulcerations and cataracts, so most experts are inclined to chemotherapy as safer and more effective. The patient is prescribed mitomycin C and cyclosporine A.

At home, the operated patient takes care of his eyes independently, instills anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and other drugs recommended by the attending physician. If possible, it is worth minimizing eye strain so as not to provoke excessive dryness of the cornea.

During the first two weeks, you should carefully monitor your eye hygiene. exclude the use of any cosmetics and foreign bodies, as well as water. Do not rub your eyes or touch them with your hands. To ensure proper and timely regeneration, you need to avoid exposure to bright sun, exposure to smoke and dust.

Recommendations regarding lifestyle, sun exposure, exposure to wind and dust apply not only to rehabilitation period. They will need to be observed at all times. If pterygium often recurs, and this is due to professional activity(hot workshops, dusty industries, Agriculture), it makes sense to think about changing jobs to maintain eye health.

Video: pterygium of the eye, surgical removal of pterygium

Video: pterygium in the program “Live Healthy!”

General information:

Pterygium(pterygoid hymen) - a triangular-shaped formation, usually in the area of ​​the inner canthus, consisting of degeneratively changed tissue of the conjunctiva of the eyeball, gradually growing from the limbus and the surrounding area towards the center of the cornea. Its size varies from small, not affecting vision, to large, occupying a significant part of the cornea. The course can be either protracted or rapidly progressive, when the pterygium is behind short term reaches the central optical zone of the cornea.

Pterygium- this is a pathological growth of the conjunctiva on the cornea. Pterygium gradually progresses and reaches the cornea to the central zone, closing the pupil and, as a result, impairs vision. The part of the pterygium that is fused to the cornea is called the head. The other part, coming from the conjunctiva and penetrated by vessels, is called the body of the pterygium.

There are 3 stages of pterygium: the first is the initial stage (1-2 mm), the second stage, which occurs most often, is 3-4 mm. In the last stage, the pterygium reaches the central optical zone of the cornea

Diagnostics

Pterygium is easily diagnosed by external clinical signs. Often in the area of ​​the inner canthus, consisting of degenerative tissue of the conjunctiva of the eyeball and gradually growing from the limbus and the surrounding area towards the center of the cornea.

It is noted that men are twice as likely to suffer from pterygium than women. The risk of the disease increases with age, with most cases occurring between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Cases of pterygium under the age of 20 have not been reported. Patients complain of the appearance of a formation that looks unaesthetic, causes a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, as well as deterioration of vision or loss of vision (in severe cases). Pterygium can develop in one or both eyes.

Causes

The exact cause of the formation of pterygium is unknown, but its development is associated with constant exposure to dust, wind, and ultraviolet radiation. Pterygium is often diagnosed in people who work high temperatures(blacksmiths, glaziers), toxic environment with various fumes and chemical substances, extreme cold. Genetic predisposition is not the last important factor in the appearance of pterygium.

Methods for preventing the disease are not yet known.

If any changes are detected in the eyes, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor. It is very important to carry out the operation on time. The earlier the operation occurs, the better the result.

Treatment

Oculus-Prim Medical Center offers treatment depending on the stage of the disease

The surgical intervention is well tolerated by patients; it is performed under local anesthesia, without hospitalization. The operation does not last long and is painless. After the operation, local treatment is performed with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and artificial tears.

Pterygium stage III

Reasons for undergoing surgery to remove pterygium:

• Aesthetics, functional (eye movement may be difficult)
• In the second and third stages, vision may deteriorate
• Probability of infection and risk of corneal infection

Surgical interventions vary depending on the stage of pterygium.

Pterygium stage three

First, the head and body of the pterygium are excised from the cornea, after which the body is removed and the surface of the sclera is cleaned of pathological tissue. There are several options for completing the operation to remove pterygium:

• The sclera remains uncovered;
• Covered by the adjacent conjunctiva (only in case of small pterygiums, to avoid the risk of recurrence)
• A graft is used, formed from the conjunctival tissue of the same eye, from under the eyelid (the operation lasts longer, but the risk of relapse is lower), which will close the defect, in a more difficult cases and in young patients, it is possible to apply a substance to the sclera for 5 minutes that reduces the development of pathological tissue, thus reducing the risk of relapse.
• In case of relapses, a corneal lamellar transplant and an amniotic membrane transplant are used to cover the surface of the conjunctiva.

Pterygium stage I Pterygium stage II

Postoperative period: the first few days after surgery, the eye becomes red, may water and hurt. These symptoms gradually subside as the surface of the cornea and the site from which the graft was taken heal. After surgery to remove pterygium, the patient may need an eye patch or a therapeutic contact lens for a few days. Between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery, swelling of the graft forms, which resolves after treatment. Postoperative complications are rare: corneal infections, graft suture rupture, corneal astigmatism.