EYE TREATMENTS

Pterygium

Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) is a raised, fleshy, triangular-shaped growth on your eye’s conjunctive. Long-term exposure to UV light is the main cause. Your eyes may be red, swollen and irritated in mild cases. If pterygium grows, your vision may be blocked or blurred. Treatments include symptom-relieving eye drops and ointment to surgery if your vision is affected.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms. Symptoms when present include:

• Pinkish, triangular growth on the cornea
• Irritation
• Eye discomfort
• Burning
• Grittiness
• Foreign body sensation
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Tearing
• Dry and itchy eyes

The exact cause is not known. It is associated with excessive or prolonged exposure to elements such as:

• Wind
• UV light, commonly from the sun
• Sand and dust
• Pollen
• Smoke

It is more common in:

• People who live in low altitudes and near the equator
• People who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny and windy environments
• People who have dry eyes
• Men aged 20-40