இந்தப் பக்கத்தின் விரிவான மருத்துவத் தகவல் தற்போது ஆங்கிலத்தில் உள்ளது — தமிழ் மொழிபெயர்ப்பு மருத்துவர் சரிபார்ப்புடன் விரைவில் வரும்.
A pterygium is a raised, fleshy, usually pinkish growth on the white of the eye that can extend onto the clear cornea. It's non-cancerous, often grows slowly over years, and is strongly linked to prolonged outdoor sun exposure — common among farmers, fishermen, and outdoor workers in tropical regions like Tamil Nadu.
Symptoms
- A visible pink/fleshy growth on the white of the eye
- Redness and irritation
- Dryness or grittiness
- Mild swelling
- Excess tearing
- Blurred vision if it extends onto the cornea
Causes & risk factors
- Long-term UV sunlight exposure — the leading risk factor
- Chronic wind and dust exposure
- Living/working in hot, sunny climates near the equator
- Outdoor occupations without eye protection
- Chronic eye dryness
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection and slit-lamp exam — usually distinctive
- Assessment of how far the growth extends toward the cornea
- Corneal topography if vision may be affected
Treatment options
- Observation with monitoring if small and symptom-free
- Lubricating drops for mild irritation
- Steroid drops for short-term flare-up relief
- UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to slow progression
- Surgical removal (with conjunctival autograft) if it affects vision, causes persistent discomfort, or keeps growing
When to seek urgent care
See an eye doctor promptly if the growth is rapidly enlarging, significantly affecting vision, or the eye becomes very red and painful rather than mildly irritated.
Frequently asked questions
Will a pterygium turn into cancer?
No, it's benign. Your eye doctor will confirm this on examination.
Does it always need surgery?
No — many small, symptom-free pterygia are simply monitored.
Can it come back after surgery?
Yes, recurrence is possible — surgical technique and diligent sun protection afterward both help reduce that risk.
எங்களைச் சந்திக்கத் தயாரா?
முன்பதிவு பிரிவை அழைக்கவும் அல்லது ஆன்லைனில் பதிவு செய்யவும் — நேரத்தை தொலைபேசியில் உறுதிப்படுத்துவோம்.
Sources consulted: AAO — Pinguecula and Pterygium . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Content pending final medical review by BSEH doctors before publish.
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