Pterygium

Question 1

Description

Answer 1

Fibrovascular growth progression from bulbar conjunctiva to invade cornea

Question 2

Differential diagnosis

Answer 2

• pinguecula

• pannus

• carcinoma

Question 3

Signs

Answer 3

• usually unilateral

• starts w small grey opacity near limbus, conjunctiva overgrows these

• gradual and insidious growth into cornea

• generally triangular shaped

• pink / red due to vascularisation

• flattens cornea resulting in ametropic changes

Question 4

Symptoms

Answer 4

• FB sensation

• cause further irritation with CLs

• reduced VAs if pterygium covers visual axis

• cosmetic concerns

Question 5

Pathogenesis

Answer 5

• age

• long term UV exposure

• dry, arid climate

Question 6

Management

Answer 6

• UV protection for entire adnexa

• ocular lubricants

• if inflamed URGENT to GP/IP for topical steroids

• refer to HES if
- threatens visual axis
- produces irregular astigmatism
- recurrent / chronic inflammation
- cosmetic concerns