What is pterygium?
Pterygium is a benign growth from the lining of the eyelid (the conjunctiva) onto the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea). It can distort or cover the cornea and significantly reduce sight.
Pterygium is also known as surfer’s eye. It’s a common cause of sight loss in one or both eyes in many parts of the world.
What causes Pterygium?
Being exposed to ultraviolet light, for example from sunlight, is thought to be the main trigger for pterygium. But genetics may play an important part too, as some people seem to be more at risk than others.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pterygium?
Some people with pterygium will not have symptoms. But the eye can become red and swollen (inflamed) and may feel irritated.
As pterygium grows, it can change the curve of the cornea (astigmatism). This can make vision blurred and lead to eye strain. It may get in the way of your line of sight.
Pterygium is wing-shaped. Many people say they don’t like the way it makes them look.
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What research is there into pterygium?
Pterygium can return after surgery, sometimes more than once and often it will be worse than before. Current research aims to prevent pterygium from coming back. Research also aims to prevent the scarring that can happen after surgery.
Fight for Sight's Research Strategy has pledged to spend over 20 million on pioneering eye research over the next five years. If you're personally affected by pterygium and are interested in fundraising to help us fund cutting-edge research in this area find out how to get involved.
Our research is fuelling groundbreaking projects helping to unlock the secrets of dozens of different eye conditions.
Last updated April 2016
Approved by Professor Harminder Dua, University of Nottingham
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