Pterygium

Background

• Also known as "Surfer's eye"
• Benign scleral growth
  • Mass of collagen degeneration and fibroblastic proliferation
  • Begins near the medial canthus and grows laterally

Risk factors

• Sunlight (UV) exposure
• Windy, sandy and dusty environments
• More common near the equator

Clinical Features

Pterygium

• Triangular visible white-colored mass on medial side of sclera
• Foreign body sensation with irritation, pruritus, tearing, dryness
• Vision impairment (when pterygium has crossed the limbus

Differential Diagnosis

Ocular Diagnoses

• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Conjunctival abrasion
• Corneal foreign body
• Corneal ulcer
• Episcleritis
• Painful eyes with normal exam
• Pterygium
• Scleritis
• Traumatic hyphema
• Uveitis
• Pinguecula

Evaluation

• Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical exam

Management

• Naphazoline/ketorolac (NSAID) drops (if symptomatic)

Disposition

• Discharge with ophtho follow-up
  • Irradiation and surgical excision.

See Also

Eye Algorithm (Main)