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[piano music]
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A pterygium is a benign,
or non-cancerous, growth
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that develops
on the conjunctiva of the eye.
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The conjunctiva
is a clear, thin tissue
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that covers the white part
of the eye,
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known as the sclera.
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Pterygiums may develop
in one or both eyes.
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The lesion is characterized
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by a pinkish, triangular-shaped
tissue growth
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of conjunctiva
that extends towards the cornea,
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a transparent window
covering the front of the eye.
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It usually occurs
on the nasal side of the eye.
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The color of the lesion varies
from pink to red in color.
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It may be small,
or may grow large enough
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to interfere with vision.
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A pterygium
is also called "surfer's eye."
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Causes: the cause
of pterygium eye disease is not known,
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but it can occur more often
in people who spend time outdoors
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with frequent or excessive exposure
to sunlight or wind.
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People who spend
considerable time in the sun,
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such as farmers, fishermen,
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and people living
near the equator,
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are more likely to develop pterygium.
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Genetic predisposition is another factor that may play a role.
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Symptoms: the primary symptom of a pterygium
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is a painless area of elevated tissue
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with visible blood vessels
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on the inner or outer border of the cornea.
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The condition can cause extreme eye discomfort,
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including burning, irritation, redness,
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tearing, foreign body sensation, and astigmatism.
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Visual defect: if the growth becomes large enough,
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it may begin to inhibit vision.
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Diagnosis: to diagnose pterygium,
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your ophthalmologist or eye doctor
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conducts a complete physical examination
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of the eye and eyelids.
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No special tests are necessary.
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Treatment: treatment depends on the size
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and extent of the pterygium.
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Treatment is usually not required in mild cases.
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When a pterygium becomes red and irritated,
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steroid eye drops may be prescribed
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to reduce the inflammation.
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If these drops are recommended,
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you should remain under the care of your ophthalmologist.
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In cases in which the growth is unsightly, or vision is threatened,
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your ophthalmologist may recommend
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surgical removal of the tissue.
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The patient will be provided pre-operative counseling
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to inform them that, although surgery is usually successful,
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sometimes the symptoms are not completely relieved.
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The recurrence rate is frequent
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and tends to spread quickly after recurring.
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The most common surgical technique used today
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involves a simple excision of the pterygium,
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combined with conjunctiva auto-grafting.
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During the procedure, the pterygium is removed,
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and the gap in the conjunctiva,
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left by the removal of the pterygium,
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is filled with a tissue transplant from the upper eyelid.
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The graft is held in place either with sutures,
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fibrin, sealant, or glue.
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This graft covers the excised area
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and acts as a barrier to recurrence.
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In some cases, following simple excision,
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a topical therapy and beta radiation
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may be used to minimize the recurrence of pterygium.
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Although these therapies may slow the regrowth of the pterygium,
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complications, such as ulceration and perforation
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in the wall of the eye may occur,
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so are not always recommended.
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In severe cases, where the growth extends
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towards the center of the cornea,
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a laser treatment may be needed.
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An excimer laser is used
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to smooth the surface irregularities
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and improve vision.
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Post operative care: following surgery,
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you may experience soreness and irritation
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in your eye for a few days, for which
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antibiotic-steroid combination eye drops may be recommended.
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You may also have redness of the eye,
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which usually resolves on its own.
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You can return to your normal activities
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within one or two weeks after surgery.
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Make sure to use the eye drops,
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and take protective measures,
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as directed by your doctor.
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Risks and complications,:
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as with any procedure,
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risks and complications may occur.
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The pterygium may recur
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during the first 12 months following surgery.
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Other surgical complications include scarring
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and perforation of the cornea,
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clear outer covering of the eyeball,
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and astigmatism, blurred vision.
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Prevention: preventative measures
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include protecting the eyes from ultraviolet rays
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by wearing sunglasses with UV protection
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during outdoor activities
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and applying artificial teardrops to lubricate the eyes.
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A pterygium is often a painless, benign lesion in the eye
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that does not cause any problems or require any treatment;
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however, in some cases, it can become inflamed,
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causing extreme eye discomfort,
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and spread over the cornea, affecting vision.
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Conservative treatment with eye drops is used, initially,
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with surgery recommended only when
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symptoms are unresolved with medical therapy
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and vision is affected.