Pterygium: Surgery
Surgery is the only way to remove a pterygium, but the results can be disappointing. Even with modern techniques, the recurrence rate is often as high as 30 to 40 percent and they tend to come back bigger and faster. Surgery for excision of pterygia usually is performed in an outpatient setting under local or topical anesthesia with the patient returning home the same day. Pain is uncommon. The pterygium is carefully dissected away. Postoperatively, the eye generally is patched overnight and healing typically takes many weeks with patients applying prescribed topical eye-drops or ointments several times a day. In the early phase of healing, the eye may be slightly swollen and bloodshot in appearance. Eventually the surgical site improves in comfort and appearance.
Reasons for Removing a Pterygium
Although most pterygia are harmless and can be left alone safely; they are surgically removed for the following reasons:
- Discomfort: If a pterygium is causing excessive irritation due to dryness / inflammation or a persistent foreign body sensation.
- Vision: If a pterygium is obstructing vision.
- Cosmetic: If a pterygium is unsightly or cosmetically unappealing.
