Question 1

What is Pterygium or Surfer Eye?

Accepted Answer

Pterygium, also known as a surfer’s eye disease and is an abnormal growth starts showing up on the conjunctive of the eye, which is triangular shaped and may cause disruptions in your daily lifestyle. To put it simply, a pterygium eye is caused due to excess exposure to the sun and its harmful rays.

Question 2

Pterygium: A Brief Overview

Accepted Answer

The major identifying key with pterygium is the growth that occurs during the disease, resembling pink flesh that starts covering the eye's white area. It also covers the space inside the eyelid, which causes extreme discomfort and irritation. Pterygium begins from the corner of the eye, mostly from where the nose ends. 
 It mostly occurs in aged people whose eyes have already become vulnerable to diseases. This disease occurs in one eye at a time, but in rare instances, it might happen in both eyes simultaneously, known as bilateral pterygium. 
 The growth is painless, but the side effects of the change can cause discomfort and affect the overall eyesight. When it comes to treatment, it isn’t necessary to get surgery. Eye ointments and drops can control the condition unless the condition is severe. In the latter, the condition can only be treated by surgery.

Question 3

Pterygium Symptoms

Accepted Answer

Pterygium does not have any prominent early signs. Therefore, in the early stages, it is easy to ignore the warnings. Here is a list of symptoms you might face. 
 Irregular growth in the eye  
 Burning sensation 
 Farsightedness 
 Constant dried eyes   
 Swelling around the eyes 
 Feeling that something is in the eye- little particle/grit 
 Teary eyes and discomfort 
 Blurred vision

Question 4

Why is Pterygium Called Surfer’s Eye?

Accepted Answer

Pterygium has been given the pet name ‘surfer’s eye’ since the listed causes for this disease are very similar to a surfer’s lifestyle. How is that? Surfers work in sunny, windy, dusty grounds/conditions, and all these elements aggravate pterygium.

Question 5

Pterygium Causes: Who Can Catch it?

Accepted Answer

There are no given criteria to catch pterygium. However, only external factors can trigger and aggravate this disease. Moreover, people who come in contact with the sun without proper protection are prone to get pterygium.

Question 6

Pterygium Diagnosis

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis of pterygium is done with the help of a slit lamp. It is a microscope that easily focuses on the tapered slit in the eye. A slit lamp helps the doctor get a holistic look at the eye and thoroughly understand the condition. It is used for most cases of this condition. However, there are other tests available like: 
 Corneal Topography  
 Visual Acuity Test

Question 7

Pterygium Treatment: Is it Treatable?

Accepted Answer

Pterygium is completely treatable with the right medications and, if needed, surgeries. However, the condition may worsen with time, causing damage to the eyes, which is tough to recover. 
 In the initial stages, the doctor will prescribe eye drops and ointments to lubricate the eye and bring down the discomfort. They also help with the pain and swelling around the eyes and in the eyeball. Other than these medications, the doctor will also recommend at-home warm compressing.

Question 8

Pterygium Surgery

Accepted Answer

A treatment is chosen according to the disease’s size and intensity. The surgery aims to remove the pterygium and fill the area with conjunctiva tissues so the site can heal soundly; filling the space also ensures the disease will not reoccur.

Question 9

Post-Surgery Care

Accepted Answer

A set of medications is prescribed with antibiotics and topical steroids to make the healing process quicker and avoid infections. The medicines also remove the changes in post-surgery scars. Once the medication is over, an appointment is kept to check the condition of the eye again, and accordingly, further healing process takes place.

Question 10

Is surgery compulsory for pterygium?

Accepted Answer

No, surgery is not a compulsion, but it will help relieve pain and irritation if the condition grows.

Question 11

Which doctor should I consult for the surfer’s eye?

Accepted Answer

An ophthalmologist should be consulted for the surfer’s eye since it is an eye-related complication.

Question 12

Can pterygium cause permanent blindness?

Accepted Answer

That cannot happen with pterygium; only eyesight issues can be witnessed.

Question 13

How long does the surgery take?

Accepted Answer

The surgery takes 45-50 minutes.

Question 14

Does the surgery leave scars?

Accepted Answer

There are chances that the surgery might leave scarring, but if the surgery is fine at the proper time, the chances of scars are very low.

Question 15

Is pterygium cancerous?

Accepted Answer

No, pterygium growth is benign.

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