Pterygium is the abnormal growth of conjunctiva tissue – a mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eye over the cornea- that in severe cases may interfere with the vision. Current research has not given the exact cause of developing pterygium; however, it is believed that excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may be the crucial factor to its overgrowth. In addition, it has been mentioned that special climate, such as warm or windy environments and spending too much time outdoor can lead to pterygium development. Moreover, exposure to certain elements, including pollen, sand, smoke, and wind, may put people at a higher risk of having pterygium.

Initially, people may not notice Pterygium symptoms because they are too mild. Nevertheless, gradually it will have prominent interference with the vision. If a pterygium becomes too large, it will cover cornea and vision interference will emerge as a consequence. Common symptoms include the followings:

• Redness: Also called bloodshot eyes can cause irritation or swollenness in the eye. 
• Blurred vision: people who are suffering from blurred vision will have difficulty seeing things clearly. 
• Eye irritation. 
• Burning sensation.
• Having a foreign object in the eye: Patients will get a feeling that something has entered their eyes from outside.

If patients choose not to pay attention to pterygium symptoms, it can lead to loss of vision due to the debilitating existence of scar tissues in the cornea.

Although at early stages the symptoms may not be apparent and to some extent may be mistaken with pinguecula which is a similar condition that can affect the conjunctiva, accurate pterygium condition can be diagnosed with the help of a slit lamp. The device uses magnification and bright light which allows the doctor to look at the eye for the complete examination.  Additionally, some tests can help with the diagnosis of pterygium:

Visual acuity test: The test involves reading letters from a distant chart.

Corneal topography: The test uses a unique imaging technique to realize how much of cornea curvature has changed.

Documentation of the cornea:  The test tracks the growth rate of pterygium by taking a continuous picture.

The first choice of treatment is the use of medication to relieve the symptoms, such as eye drops or ointments. If, however, these remedies were not productive, undergoing surgery for the removal of the pterygium would be recommended.

Pterygium surgery is a non-invasive procedure that usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Before the procedure begins, it is essential to follow the doctor’s instruction, including the following:

• Patinas are required to fast for about 4 hours before the surgery or eat a mild meal.
• One day before the surgery, patients are asked not to wear any contact lenses.
• Patients will be sedated during the procedure, so it is vital to arrange for transportation.

The pterygium can be performed quite quickly. For a start, the patient’s eyes will be sedated to reduce any discomfort. Afterward, in addition to pterygium removal, the conjunctiva tissue will also be cut, and to prevent recurrent pterygium a graft will be replaced. The surgery site where pterygium has been removed will be closed with sutures or glues.

• The doctor will reduce the risk of infection by applying a patch over the eye.
• Patients should follow the doctor’s advice after the surgery: cleaning procedures, taking antibiotics, and follow-up visits.
• Full recovery usually takes about weeks or months.

Just like any surgery, few complications may occur after the operation. Patients may feel discomfort or redness in the eye or the surrounding area. Also, it is usual that after the surgery, patients may have blurred vision which will heal after some weeks.

According to the new research by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, pterygium surgery is a prevalent operation in Iran with more than 40,000 Iranian and foreign patients are admitted to subspecialty hospitals each month. Therefore, many foreign patients choose to continue their treatment in Iran because the testimony from patients who have undergone surgery in Iran has proved to be a successful outcome which gives assurance of the high quality in performing surgery and treatments.