Cornea

Cornea

Pterygium –

Pterygium is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye (sclera). Pterygium is more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny or windy environments, as UV light and dust are considered risk factors. While mild cases may not cause symptoms or require treatment beyond the use of artificial tears, more severe cases can cause irritation and redness in eyes.

What are the treatment options-Management depend on the severity of symptoms and the extent of growth.

Conservative Management (medications) –

  • Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears may be used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by mild pterygium.
  • If inflammation is present, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce redness and discomfort
  • Surgical removal (excision) of the pterygium may be recommended if it causes significant symptoms such as persistent redness, irritation, or affects vision by encroaching onto the cornea.Techniques such as conjunctival autografting, or amniotic membrane transplantation may be used during surgery to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and promote healing.

Adjuvant therapies such as anti-metabolite agents (like mitomycin-C) may be used during or after surgery to decrease the risk of pterygium recurrence, particularly in cases where the growth has been aggressive or recurrent.

How to prevent Pterygium

Here are some strategies to help prevent pterygium:

UV Protection

Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays whenever you are outdoors, especially in sunny environments.

Use of Lubricating Eye Drops

If you work in environments where dryness or irritation is common, use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to keep your eyes moist and reduce the likelihood of irritation leading to pterygium formation.

Keratoconus management

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. In keratoconus, the normally round shape of the cornea becomes progressively thinner and more cone-shaped. This irregular shape impairs the eye's ability to focus properly, leading to distorted vision.

Causes

The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Factors that may contribute to the development of keratoconus include:

Genetics

Keratoconus often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Eye Rubbing

Excessive rubbing of the eyes, particularly in susceptible individuals, may contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus.

Connective Tissue Disorders

Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, which affect connective tissue, may increase the risk of keratoconus.

Symptoms

  • Blurred or Distorted Vision : Initially, vision may be blurred or distorted, often worsening over time.
  • Increased Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Many individuals with keratoconus are sensitive to light.
  • Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription: Due to the progressive nature of keratoconus, frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription may be needed.

Treatment

Treatment options for keratoconus depend on the severity of the condition and may include:
  • Glasses or Contact Lenses :
    In the early stages, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may correct vision adequately.
  • Contact Lenses(Rigid gas permeable or scleral lens):
    These lenses provide better vision by replacing the irregular corneal shape with a smooth surface, improving visual acuity.
  • Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL):
    This procedure involves applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops to the cornea followed by exposure to ultraviolet light. CXL aims to strengthen the cornea and halt the progression of keratoconus.
  • Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty):
    In severe cases where vision cannot be adequately corrected with other methods, a corneal transplant may be necessary to replace the diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
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