A pterygium is a wing shaped growth of tissue across the cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye.
As a pterygium grows, it may become red and irritated. Eventually, it may cause visual disturbances by disrupting the normally smooth surface of the cornea. In severe cases, a pterygium can block a patient’s vision altogether.
Pterygium surgery involves removal of the abnormal pterygium tissue and the gap in the conjunctival tissue, where the pterygium was removed, is filled with a transplant of tissue that has been painlessly removed from underneath the upper eyelid.
The entire procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia. The decision as to which type of anaesthetic to use depends on discussion between you and the surgeon.
Usually, the operation is done as a day case procedure. You will go home with an eye shield on which must be left in place for 24 hours. Your eye will be quite sore for about a week after the operation. Redness of the eye will take 2 to 3 weeks to clear.
You will be given drops and ointment to control soreness in the eye and prevent infection. You should also take painkilling tablets if required.
You should not swim until after your follow up appointment and should take care not to poke or rub your eye.
References:
- https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/assets/Uploads/90cf0c2db9/Pterygium-leaflet-2012.pdf
- https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Surgical%20Services/Ophthalmology/119935_Pterygium_and_Its_Management.pdf