NEW TRENDS IN MANAGEMENT OF PTERYGIUM

Abstract

Pterygium is an elevated, superficial, external ocular mass that usually forms over the perilimbal conjunctiva and extends onto the corneal surface. Pterygia can vary from small, atrophic quiescent lesions to large, aggressive, rapidly growing fibrovascular lesions that can distort the corneal topography, and, in advanced cases, they can obscure the optical center of the cornea. The condition is common in the so-called ‘pterygium zone’ which is defined by a geographical latitude of 40˚ north and south of the equator. In countries within this area prevalence of up to 22% in the general population has been reported. Patients with pterygia present with a variety of complaints, ranging from no symptoms to significant redness, swelling, itching, irritation, and blurring of vision associated with elevated lesions of the conjunctiva and contiguous cornea in one or both eyes.