Causes and Symptoms of Pterygium
Causes of Pterygium
Continuous exposure to UV radiation (usually from sunlight) is the most common cause of a pterygium. Adults who spend long periods of time outdoors—in sandy or dusty areas and where there is significant exposure to sunlight and wind—may develop a pterygium. For this reason, a pterygium is commonly referred to as “surfer’s eye,” since many surfers suffer from this due to their prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection.
Symptoms of Pterygium
- Burning, itching, or tearing of the eye(s).
- A gritty feeling, like having dirt in the eyes.
- Foreign body sensation.
- Dry feeling.
- Visual disturbances with larger growths.
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance – white of the eye.
Learn more about how we can help with pterygium by contacting us online or calling (301) 591-1763 today. Visit one of our locations in Rockville, Damascus, or Washington, DC!
Treating Pterygium
Advanced Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Pterygiectomy (ASAP)
ASAP is an incredibly successful, advanced autograft technique using tissue “glue” for no-stitch pterygium removal surgery. The ASAP procedure has endlessly evolved over the years with one of the lowest recurrence rates in the world – 0.06% in 2016 – and with excellent cosmetic results.
What Happens During ASAP?
During the ASAP procedure:
- The abnormal corneal tissue is removed and replaced with a thin graft of normal tissue.
- No-stitch pterygium surgery is made possible by the use of modern tissue adhesive composed of clotting proteins normally found in human blood. Tissue adhesive allows the surgeon to secure a conjunctival autograft in seconds rather than minutes. After about one week the tissue adhesive dissolves, leaving no residue, and the eye heals comfortably.
- An amniotic membrane will be placed in the eye to aid the healing process and decrease inflammation.
The ASAP procedure shows a proven ability to prevent scar tissue and is used to reduce the chance of regrowth after pterygium removal to less than 1%.
Recovery After Pterygium Removal
After the ASAP surgery, there may be a small amount of pain for a day or so. Your eye initially might feel itchy, gritty, or a bit dry. Sensitivity to light is also possible.
These side effects should subside after a few days. Next-day and two-week follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure your eye is healing properly.
You will need to keep your eye covered for the first day, and at night or in dirty environments for one month after surgery.
Ready to start the conversation on getting pterygium removal in Washington, DC, Rockville, or Damascus? Contact us online to get started!
Benefits of ASAP Procedure with Visionary Eye Doctors
- Best technique – meticulously cultivated over the years.
- More comfortable for the patient and little to no pain.
- In-office surgical suite with state-of-the-art technology.
- Shorter recovery – return to work within 1-2 days after surgery.
- Excellent results both clinically and cosmetically.
- Reduced risk of pterygium recurring, one of the lowest rates in the world.
- Covered by insurance and significant self-pay discount.
Read our FAQs on pterygium removal to learn more.
Request a Surgical Consultation
The first step in determining your candidacy for any procedure is to schedule a consultation and experience our comprehensive eye exam. This is the most complete eye exam available today and includes a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Utilizing advanced diagnostic technology, our surgeons will not only evaluate your candidacy for a procedure for but will look at the overall health of your eyes and establish a long-term plan for your best vision.
Please help us provide you with the best experience by answering a few quick questions, and one of our surgical counselors will assist you. If you are a current patient and/or have a medical concern or question, please contact us directly at (301) 591-1763.