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The Secret of Sun and Dust: What exactly causes pterygium?
In daily life, we may neglect the health of our eyes, but pterygium may develop quietly. This pink and approximately triangular tissue proliferation usually starts from the cornea on the nasal side and gradually extends to the surface of the eyeball. Although pterygium does not affect vision in most cases, how we understand its causes and preventive methods is a question that everyone should discuss in depth.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms of pterygium include persistent redness, inflammation, foreign body sensation, watery eyes, and dry, itchy eyes.
In some cases, a pterygium may invade the cornea, causing blurred vision or astigmatism, and sometimes severe corneal scarring. Additionally, the appearance of the eyes often becomes one of the major concerns for patients with this condition.
Exploration of causes
There is no scientific consensus on the specific cause of pterygium. Research shows that long-term exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light and dust may be one of the main causes of pterygium. Because these elements are particularly prevalent in areas near the equator, people living in these areas have a higher chance of developing pterygium.
The formation of pterygium also appears to be related to genetic factors, and statistics show that men are approximately twice as affected as women.
Pathological analysis
Medical research has confirmed that the presence of pterygium in the conjunctiva is due to the elastic degeneration of collagen (actinic elastosis) and the proliferation of vascular fibers. This growth form is divided into several parts, including:
- Head of pterygium: usually raised and richly vascularized.
- Body: A fleshy bulge with interlaced blood vessels.
- Pruning: fibrous and non-vascularized parts.
These different components demonstrate the unique physiological characteristics of pterygium and provide doctors with a basis for diagnosis.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
Prevention and early detection are crucial in the management of pterygium. Although doctors can diagnose most cases without special testing, as the condition worsens, corneal topography technology can be used to evaluate the condition.
Symptoms similar to pterygium also include pinguecula and pseudopterygium, which need to be distinguished through professional diagnosis.
Preventive measures
Because pterygium is closely associated with constant sun or wind exposure, wearing protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, as well as using artificial tears in daily life, can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition. Especially those who do water sports should use eye protection equipment that can block 100% of ultraviolet rays to reduce the risk of illness.
Treatment methods
Pterygium usually does not require surgical treatment unless it progresses to the point where it affects vision. Symptoms of discomfort can be relieved by using artificial tears.
Surgical options
When necessary, surgery is often an effective method of removing pterygium. Conjunctival autograft surgery has lower recurrence rates after six months than amniotic membrane transplantation, according to a systematic review. Although more research is needed to determine which surgical approach is better at improving vision or quality of life, conjunctival autografting has been shown to be a safe and effective surgical option.
Considerations in life
Everyone needs to have certain knowledge and awareness when it comes to eye health. Proper use of sun protection measures and attention to eye health during daily activities will help reduce the occurrence of pterygium. So, are you willing to give your eyes a little more protection and attention from today on, and think about the importance of eye health in life?
