Pterygium is a disease in which the conjunctiva grows from the nasal corner to the center of the cornea of the eye. This disease progresses over time. Pathology is a fairly common phenomenon, and people may not notice it because of its small size. Pterygium moves toward the pupil and later provokes a decrease in vision and a significant cosmetic defect. Pterygium in the ICD-10 is listed under the code H 11.0.
Causes
Unfortunately, scientists still cannot identify the causes of eye pterygium, due to which this disease develops. True, scientists were able to identify some provoking factors that reproach the development of this ailment.
In the first place, naturally, is heredity, in addition, the ailment can be triggered by constant inflammation of the eyes, as well as any chemical irritants, strong winds or street dust. A strong influence on the development of such a pathology can have a constant work at the computer, as well as ultraviolet radiation. Pterygium can develop in any person, regardless of gender or age category, and this ailment can remain unchanged in the patient or, conversely, develop more actively over time. Another reason that can lead to the development of pterygium is a nasal disease, such as sinusitis.
Who has the disease?
Most often, pterygium, whose photo is lower, is observed in people living in hot regions, since many factors, for example, street dust carried by the wind and ultraviolet radiation, also have a negative effect on the organs of vision.
Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms themselves depends on the stage of the disease. At the very beginning of the development of pterygium, a person does not experience discomfort or discomfort, however, he may notice some condensation in the eye. In subsequent stages, the symptoms may be as follows:
- There is a feeling of the constant presence in the eye of a foreign body. Such a pathology has a peculiar relief, and when blinking, the inner surface of the eyelid is affected, this causes similar sensations.
- The formation of a tear film is impaired and, as a result, conjunctival irritation occurs.
- Visual acuity decreases. The pleura grows on the eyeball, so vision deteriorates. Tearing increases, eyes as if bloodshot, constant itching.
- The mucous membrane of the eyes is constantly dry.
- There is an opaque growth on the cornea. From the inner corner of the eye, it spreads further.
- Hyperemia of the eyeball.
- On visual inspection, there is a clouding of the eye from the side of the nose at the very beginning of the disease. The triangular-shaped fold, most often coming from the nasal side of the eyeball, sometimes reaches the pupil, has a pigmented border.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of pterygium is quite simple, because an ophthalmologist can see a neoplasm with the naked eye. But it is important to correctly differentiate the disease from other pathologies with similar symptoms, therefore, they often resort to detailed types of examination and analysis. Continued examination is also possible using slit microscopy. This type of examination makes it possible to examine in more detail the pathology of the eye, and at the same time it is possible to evaluate how much the cornea of the eye and pterygium grow together and find out the degree of growth.
To clarify the stage of pterygium, doctors perform ophthalmoscopy, visometry and refractometry. If more information is needed, ultra-precise procedures for determining the forms of pterygium can be used. They are needed for a detailed diagnosis of pterygium for relapse (relies on the lacrimal function of the cornea of the eye). This is usually done immediately after a recent operation. Keratotopography is used to identify the form and extent of the disease. And to evaluate and detect the activity of the vascular component, a morphological analysis of pterygium tissues is used.
After the disease has been diagnosed, it is necessary to carry out treatment, where it is based on the removal of growth. Usually, treatment is resorted to when the pterygium reaches the optical part and interferes with normal and comfortable vision.
How to remove pterygium eyes?
Therapy of the disease can be medicinal (ophthalmic drops) and surgical (laser or knife removal). In some sources, folk methods come across, but because of their unprovenness and often secondary results, in the form of allergic interactions on a variety of herbs, honey, etc., these recipes should not be used on their own.
Symptomatic treatment of eye pterygia includes anti-inflammatory lavage and drops; in case of significant inflammation, drops of a desensitizing effect are used (eg, Alomid, Lecrolin), glucocorticosteroid substances (based on dexamethasone or hydrocortisone). In order to eliminate drying out, moisturizing “artificial tears” are prescribed. It is necessary to realize that drug therapy does not exempt from growth, but only simplifies the situation of the patient.
Surgery
When an insignificant pterygium is diagnosed and when the necessary symptoms are insufficient, there is no need for cure. In the event that the pterygium increases, then it must be removed surgically. The process of removing the ailment is very ordinary, and it takes no more than twenty minutes. This procedure is carried out on the ocular surface, additional penetration is not necessary. During the operation, the material of the pterygium is removed, and the place where it was located is closed by the non-infected part of the eye membrane, which is taken from the area under the upper eyelid. This is done in order to avoid a repeat of the disease in the future, but also for a better cosmetic effect. The material is fixed on the cornea, this is done by applying six sutures or using bioglue. Using glue reduces discomfort and guarantees good cosmetic results. After elimination of the disease, a special product ("Mitomycin") is used, it prevents the recurrence of the disease. The probability of catching the disease again, subject to the method provided, is no more than five percent.
Usually, surgery is performed under standard anesthesia. Before it you can not eat and drink at least the last three hours. Immediately after surgery, the previously affected part of the eye is closed with a special bandage. The place must be left bandaged, covering with plastic protection, until the time prescribed by the doctor. The next day, after the operation, you need to start to drip into the eyes with any eye drops every three hours. This must be done within thirty days from the date of the operation. You can also use glasses if you used them before the operation. Eyes will not be able to rub or press, which provides additional protection. If any pain occurs, you can start taking anesthetic drugs.
In the postoperative period, you do not need to lie on the bed, you can safely move around the room. There are completely no prescriptions regarding the intake of water and food. You can take a shower at any time, most importantly, do not wet your eyes for the first seven days after surgery. The probable duration of hospital stay after surgery is two hours, after which you can safely go home if your doctor has given your permission.
Ability to see after surgery
The first days after the operation, the vision will be less clear, but it is assumed that only a few days later it will return to its original state. Permanent adjustment of points is most often carried out four weeks after the surgery.
Possible postoperative effects
The effectiveness of this operation is quite high, and negative consequences are extremely rare. Possible burdens include:
- possible minor bleeding;
- entry of possible infections;
- the appearance of scar tissue or a recurrence of the disease.
Recovery
Patients after the procedure, regardless of the method of its implementation, are prescribed bactericidal and anti-inflammatory therapy, which is aimed at eliminating complications. If necessary, moisturizing drops are prescribed. The cornea after removal of the pterygium has a high susceptibility. Corneal syndrome is formed - the patient is unpleasant to open his eyes, there is tearing. Already after wound healing, these signs disappear on their own. In exceptional cases, it happens:
- malignant modification;
- perforation of an ophthalmic apple;
- retina detachment;
- Corneal scar formation will occur.
For the first time after the procedure, vision will become blurry. The rehabilitation period is several weeks. Actually, it is so much necessary that vision returns to its former state. After this operation, pathologies and relapses often occur, for this reason it is important to be guided by the advice of a doctor in order to avoid the return of the disease.
Means for external use
In order to wash the diseased eyes, it is recommended to use tea brewing a couple of times a day by dipping a cotton sponge there. They need to make gentle movements in the direction toward the bridge of the nose, which will make it possible to free themselves from dust and other contaminants in their eyes. An equally effective product is a mixture of dried chamomile, used in the same way. Such a process makes it possible not only to cleanse the organs of vision, but also to eliminate inflammation. In addition, it is possible to make ophthalmic drops with natural ingredients on your own. It will take a tablespoon of caraway seeds, the same amount of dried cornflower petals and plantain leaves. Everything is ground to a powder and 200 milliliters of boiling water is poured. The cooled drops are cured and applied up to 5 times a day with a pipette. In each eye, it is necessary to instill 2-3 drops.
For internal use
In order to maintain visual acuity and overall well-being of the eye, it is recommended to use an internal tincture of natural calamus root. It is crushed in an amount of 30-40 g, poured with a glass of vodka and insisted for a week. Take a similar remedy 20 drops 2 times a day before meals. Another common recipe is considered to be an infusion with crushed marigold flowers. 20 g of this plant is poured with a glass of alcohol and insisted for about 7 days. After that, carefully filter and take 15 drops at least 3-4 times a day for about a month after each meal.