I have a pterygium on my right eye. Will a pterygium grow and cover your eye if left untreated?
NOV 30, 2015
Question:
I have a pterygium on my right eye. Will a pterygium grow and cover your eye if left untreated?
Answer:
Pterygia are fibrous growths on the surface of the eye that extend from the conjunctiva to the corneal surface. They can sometimes be significant enough to affect vision if they grow to the center of the cornea. While not all pterygia will progress, we know that long-term exposure to UV light or dusty and windy environments are a common link in the growth of these lesions. We recommend patients wear sunglasses when outdoors, use artificial tear lubricating drops (but not drops that "get the red out") and limit exposure to irritants in the environment to limit the progression of their pterygia.