Pterygium is a growth that causes inflammation on the conjunctiva and then spreads to the cornea or the sclera, causing irritation, red eyes, and resulting in impaired vision.
Causes of Pterygium
Pterygium can be caused by various factors such as eye irritation from wind, dust, smoke, pollution, sunlight, or exposure to chemicals and other irritants. When these accumulate over a long period, they cause inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Symptoms of Pterygium
People with pterygium will experience eye irritation, burning sensation, and red eyes. If severe, it can spread to the cornea, causing blurred vision.
Complications of Pterygium
If the pterygium grows extensively and severely, it may cause infection, corneal scarring, and spread to the center of the cornea, leading to worsened vision.
Treatment by Pterygium Removal
There are three main methods of pterygium removal:
- Simple pterygium removal, which has a relatively high recurrence rate of about 30-50% within 1 year.
- Removal of the pterygium along with grafting tissue to the removed area. This is a very effective method to prevent recurrence. The graft tissue may be the patient’s own conjunctival tissue or amniotic membrane, depending on the doctor’s discretion.
- Removal of the pterygium combined with the use of medication to prevent recurrence.
Prevention and Risk Reduction of Pterygium
- Use artificial tears to prevent inflammation, irritation, and progression of pterygium.
- Avoid risk factors such as wind, dust, smoke, pollution, sunlight, and heat.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals and various irritants.
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Differences Between Conventional Surgery and Surgery Using Fibrin Glue
- Conventional surgery involves suturing the wound. After surgery, stitches are removed after about 14 days, which may cause irritation.
- Surgery using Fibrin Glue does not require suturing. Fibrin glue is used, and the surgery takes only about 3 minutes, which is faster than conventional surgery. This method provides more comfort, less irritation, and faster recovery for the patient.
Does Surgery Using Glue Cause Irritation or Allergic Reactions?
The chance of allergy is very low because the substances used are naturally found in the human body and are extracted and synthesized. The substances called fibrinogen and thrombin act as adhesives to firmly attach the grafted conjunctiva.
Limitations of Using Glue in Patients
There are fewer limitations compared to suturing because sutures require stitch removal. In cases where conjunctival grafting and Fibrin glue are used, no sutures are needed. However, generally, doctors will schedule follow-up visits to adjust post-operative eye drops. Limitations may exist in patients who cannot cooperate during surgery or have poor post-operative care, such as rubbing the eyes vigorously, which may cause the graft to detach.
Postoperative Care Principles for Glue Method Compared to Suturing
The general principles of post-operative care are similar, including maintaining cleanliness by cleaning around the eyes with saline or clean water and regularly applying prescribed eye drops. However, since there are no sutures, the patient experiences greater comfort and less irritation after surgery.
Preparation Before Pterygium Surgery
- Use artificial tears to reduce eye inflammation and prevent excessive dryness.
- Clean the area around the eyes before surgery.
Postoperative Care After Pterygium Surgery
- Use clean water or saline to clean around the eyes.
- Avoid getting water in the eyes as it may cause stinging or inflammation.
- Do not rub the eyes or use any cloth to wipe the eyes to prevent wound separation and eye infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to check the surgical wound.
- If any abnormal symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerathep Tantayakom
Ophthalmologist specializing in Corneal Diseases
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
