Pterygium, popularly known as “eye flesh”, is one of the lesser known but actually common disorders. Apart from the visual disturbances it causes, it can also cause negativities that will prevent clear vision if it progresses. Let’s take a clearer look at what methods are applied during the treatment phase and exactly what kind of disease we are talking about.
What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a tissue growth that occurs when the membrane between the cornea and the white area of the eye grows towards the cornea. Since the fleshy tissue grows, we see that it is named as eye flesh. We can say that this is how it is generally known among the public.
When you look carefully, you see that there is a fleshy tissue that grows slowly from your nose, that is, from the corner of the eye, towards the cornea. As it grows, it starts to affect the vision negatively over time and causes the angle of vision to be reduced.
Why does pterygium occur?
There are several important causes of the disease. These reasons need to be addressed separately. The reasons we will list are the most common ones.
- Effect of Sunlight and UV Rays: Let’s say that this is one of the most common causes. In cases where you are exposed to sunlight or UV rays for a long time, deterioration of the tissue can occur, which leads to the appearance of the eyeball.
- Constant Exposure to Wind: Again, constant exposure to wind also causes eye flesh formation. It should be noted that especially sailors and outdoor athletes should be more careful in this regard.
- Having a Genetic Predisposition: The presence of eye flesh in family members increases the likelihood of the person facing this problem.
What are the symptoms of pterygium?
Common symptoms may indicate the emergence of pterygium. The severity of these symptoms may also increase over time. We list the most common symptoms below.
- A constant foreign body sensation in the eye
- Increasing sensitivity to light
- Spotting and discoloration of the white part of the eye
- Changes in the number of glasses
- Blurring of vision and a sensation of blurred vision
- Visibly noticeable difference in the eye
- Constant itching and stinging sensation in the eye
You may experience one or more of these symptoms at the same time. As the tissue continues to grow, the symptoms may worsen. Especially if a situation that will prevent vision begins to develop, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor without wasting time.
How is pterygium treated?
In most cases, surgery is required when the tissue becomes noticeable. Effective treatment is achieved through surgical intervention. Pterygium surgery is performed under certain stages. Let’s talk about these stages and the process of the surgery.
How Is Eye Flesh Surgery Performed?
First, local anesthesia is applied to the eye where the surgical procedure will be performed. In rare cases, general anesthesia may also be performed according to the patient’s request.
- The eye surface is cleaned and the eye is prepared for the operation.
- The eye flesh is removed with surgical intervention and tissue graft is applied to this area to prevent recurrence.
- After tissue grafting from another designated point of the eye, the incisions are sutured and the operation is completed.
- It should be noted that the success rate of the surgery is high and most of the time the patient can be discharged on the same day. Of course, factors that vary from person to person also have an effect here.
When Is Recovery After Pterygium (Eye Flesh) Surgery?
In this process, recovery may take varying periods of time from person to person. It is important to use appropriate medications, to go to check-ups at the times determined by the doctor and to avoid strenuous physical activities during the healing process. In case of any complications or bleeding during the healing process, the doctor should be contacted immediately.
