Pterygium
PTERYGIUM & PINGUECULA Treatment IN LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY & THE INLAND EMPIRE
Have you noticed a yellowish bump or a fleshy growth forming on the white of your eye? While often harmless at first, conditions like pterygium and pinguecula can cause redness, irritation, dryness, and even affect your vision if left untreated. These growths are commonly linked to sun exposure, wind, and environmental irritants, making them especially prevalent in sunny climates like Southern California.
The good news is that effective treatment options are available to relieve discomfort and protect your eye health. At Laser Eye Center™, our experienced team uses advanced diagnostics and personalized care to evaluate your condition and recommend the best approach to restore comfort, improve appearance, and preserve your vision.
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO: PTERYGIUM
What Are Pterygium and Pinguecula?
Pterygium is a benign, elevated growth from the conjuntiva (“white part of the eye”) onto the cornea (in front of the colored part of the eye). Pinguecula is a yellow deposit or elevation on only the conjuntiva (“white part of the eye”). The conjuntiva is a clear mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids, serving to lubricate the eye and to prevent microbes from entering the eye.
Both Pterygium and Pinguecula are associated with excessive UV light exposure (i.e. sunlight), wind, and dust. Pterygium can cause distortion of the cornea, severely affecting vision or blocking the vision completely. Corneal scarring underneath the Pterygium can also occur, making it very important for them to be removed before becoming too large, permanently affecting the patient’s vision.
Symptoms of Pterygium and Pinguecula
Symptoms of both Pterygium and Pinguecula include burning, itching, tearing, redness, and scratchy sensation in the eye. Cosmetically, a Pterygium or Pinguecula can impact the social and professional life of the patient. The affected eye often has a red, distorted appearance. Because of this, many patients state that they are wrongly accused of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Treatment for Pterygium and Pinguecula
Pterygium and Pinguecula that cause mild inflammation can usually be treated with steroid drops, lubricant eye drops, or a prescribed ointment. However, these are often just a temporary solution, and the Pterygium or Pinguecula must eventually be surgically removed. The Pterygium/Pinguecula surgery lasts approximately thirty minutes and has a recovery time of only a couple of days.
When the Pterygium or Pinguecula is removed, conjuntiva underneath is also extracted. The special “Auto-graft” technique our surgeons (opens in new tab) at Laser Eye Center™ use replaces this tissue with the patient’s own conjuntival tissue that is surgically removed from the healthy conjuntiva superiorly (not visible, as it is hidden underneath the upper eyelid). This “self-tissue” is then fixated using medical adhesive. This advanced technique significantly decreases the risk of regression or recurrence. Ensuring a healthy tear film as well as protection from the sun, dust and wind is also very important.
Technology
Auto-graft Technique for Pterygium removal
The auto-graft technique is a key advance in pterygium removal decreasing recurrence rates substantially. This technique uses a patient’s own healthy eye tissue to replace portions of tissue that are excised when the pterygium is surgically removed. A surgeon applies anesthetic drops to numb the eye, removes the pterygium, then uses a self-transplant technique to fill the area with healthy conjuntival tissue. The transplanted conjuntival tissue is affixed to the target area by either sutures or a special fibrin adhesive. Although sutures are less expensive, fibrin glue cuts recovery time, while reducing inflammation and discomfort. The procedure is quick and routine, with a low risk for complications. The patient receives topical antibiotics and anti-inflammation drops, and wears a patch for the next 24 hours.
Why Choose Laser Eye Center™ for Pterygium & Pinguecula Treatment
Treating pterygium and pinguecula requires a careful balance of medical expertise and precision to protect both your vision and the appearance of your eyes. At Laser Eye Center™, patients benefit from over 40 years of experience and advanced technology designed to accurately diagnose and effectively manage these conditions. Whether your treatment involves conservative care or surgical removal, their skilled team ensures a customized approach focused on long-term eye health and comfort.
As a family-owned, patient-focused practice, Laser Eye Center™ is committed to delivering care you can trust. From your initial evaluation through recovery, their team provides clear guidance, transparent recommendations, and ongoing support, helping you achieve relief from irritation while preserving the clarity and natural look of your eyes.
Schedule Your Free Consult Today
Get started on your journey to clearer, crisper vision with Laser Eye Center™. Our expert team of doctors are trained and skilled in the latest technology and methods for laser vision correction. To learn more about our state-of-the-art All Laser LASIK technology or about All Laser LASIK itself, contact us today. Schedule your FREE consultation by calling today.
