Pterygium treatment
Pterygium is a benign fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. As it progresses, it may cause ocular irritation, dryness, chronic inflammation, and visual impairment. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the pterygium with conjunctival reconstruction.
Symptoms of pterygium
- Foreign body sensation, dryness, burning or irritation in the eye.
- Redness of the eye, recurrent or chronic inflammation.
- Visible tissue growth onto the cornea, leading to decreased visual acuity.
- Cosmetic defect and discomfort during blinking.
Causes of pterygium
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Dry, dusty, or windy environments causing chronic eye irritation.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Frequent inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva.
Diagnostic methods
- Slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Assessment of pterygium size and degree of corneal involvement.
- Corneal topography. Evaluation of corneal shape changes in advanced cases.
- Ophthalmoscopy. Monitoring intraocular structures when visual acuity is reduced.
Treatment methods for pterygium
- Conservative therapy. Used in early stages and includes lubricating eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve irritation.
- Surgical excision. Indicated in progressive cases; involves removal of the pterygium followed by conjunctival autografting to cover the defect.
- Laser-assisted removal. A modern technique that ensures high precision and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Recovery after surgery
- Mild foreign body sensation and redness may occur during the first few days.
- Anti-inflammatory and preventive eye drops are prescribed to reduce recurrence risk.
- Avoid exposure to bright light, dust, and wind during the recovery period.
- Complete healing usually occurs within 2–4 weeks.
Advantages of modern pterygium treatment in Belarus
- Low recurrence rates due to advanced conjunctival grafting techniques.
- High safety and effectiveness of laser-assisted procedures.
- Fast recovery with minimal postoperative discomfort.
In Belarus, pterygium treatment is provided in modern ophthalmology centers equipped with advanced surgical and laser technology. Experienced specialists use gentle excision techniques with conjunctival reconstruction, allowing effective treatment, reduced recurrence risk, and preservation of ocular health.
This text has been translated using machine translation technology (DeepL API) and may contain inaccuracies.
