PTERYGIUM: Commonly called Surfer’s Eye

Pterygium - Surfers Eye

WHAT ARE PTERYGIUM?

A pterygium, pronounced Ti-Ridge-ium, is a ‘wing of tissue’ that grows onto the cornea, via the transparent skin of the eye (the conjunctiva)

The growth will often develop on the area of your eye nearest to your nose. The primary cause is thought to be UV exposure, in particular the amount you received in childhood.

It is common for people in Queensland to develop this condition, also anyone else who enjoys a lot more time outdoors in sunny and windy conditions. As a result the condition frequently affects surfers, hence the condition has gained the nickname, Surfer’s Eye. Similarly, the condition is often found in tradespeople or others who work outside, particularly welders.

Patients are most commonly aged between 20 and 40, and there is a higher incidence in men versus women.

COMMON PTERYGIUM SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms include:

  • Itching or burning.
  • Blurred vision.
  • A reddish tissue growing over the coloured part of your eye.
  • An ongoing sensation that something is in your eye.

However, some patients may not experience any symptoms at all.

It is possible for a pterygium to affect your vision when it grows large enough to cross the visual axis, the centre of the pupil.

In some cases, they can cause annoying irritation because they disturb the spread of the normal tear film. Alternatively, they may also look red and unsightly but with minimal symptoms.

PTERYGIUM: What is it?

BEFORE & AFTER P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® SURGERY

Pterygium Before P.E.R.F.E.C.T for Pterygium SurgeryPterygium 4 months After Surgery

WHAT ARE PTERYGIUM TREATMENT OPTIONS?

If they are small and don’t bother you, they often only require good UV protection with wrap-around sunglasses, combined with the use of lubricant drops.

If the pterygium is large, shows accelerated growth, causes significant irritation, or the appearance bothers you, then they can be surgically removed.

If you decide to have surgery, make sure you choose a surgeon with a special interest and fellowship in the disease. These surgeons use a technique that has a minimal risk of them growing back, called a recurrence, and can guarantee an excellent cosmetic result.

CHOOSE A P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® PARTNER IN BRISBANE

Dr. Smallcombe was the first surgeon in Australia and NZ to become an accredited P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® PARTNER, and one of only a few Queensland surgeons who have completed a Fellowship with Professor Lawrence Hirst. Professor Hirst is the pioneer of this surgical procedure.

Dr Katherine Smallcombe

STANDARD PTERYGIUM SURGERY

Pterygium Recurrance Rate Standard Surgery 10-15%

P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® SURGER

GET THE BEST PTERYGIUM SURGERY RESULTS

LOW REOCCURANCE – 100 TIMES LESS LIKELY TO RETURN

A recurrence of the removed pterygium is extremely rare, however P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for Pterygium® has reduced the normal recurrence rate from the 10-15% to 0.1%.

BEST COSMETIC RESULT

The cosmetic appearance achieved after P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM® is usually so good that the patient forgets which eye has had the surgery a few months later. People in casual contact with most patients can not tell which eye has had surgery.

MEDICARE NO GAP APPOINTMENT

INDOOROOPILLY or REDCLIFFE

Make a no obligation Medicare No-Gap Appointment to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

If surgery is recommended we will discuss the options so you can make an informed decision.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RANZCO (The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) has produced an informative brochure. Click here to go to the RANZCO website and download the brochure.

Also, see our Top Pterygium Tips

PTERYGIUM IN THE NEWS