Pterygia
Medical management
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| A small pterygium suitable for medical treatment |
Most pterygia can be treated without the need for surgery.
Simple treatments
There are a number of things patients can do to minimise symptoms and lessen the likelihood of the pterygium growing.
Key strategies include:
- Reduce ultraviolet light exposure. Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Avoid irritants and drying - smoky, dusty and air-conditioned environments
- Use artificial tears to moisturise the eye
Medical treatment
In some patients more active medical treatments are required. These include:
- Whitening or decongestant agents
- Steroid or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drops
Decongestant eye drops
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| Decongestants can be used to whiten very red pterygia |
Some patients with very reddened pterygia benefit from drops that constrict the blood vessels. Long-held fears that the use of such drugs may lead to dependancy or enlargement of the blood vessels are unfounded.
Anti-inflammatory eye drops
Patients with significantly inflamed pterygia are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, the most sucessful of which are topical steroids. Treatment with steroids must be supervised by an ophthalmologist.