When you look at yourself in the mirror, you expect to see certain things. A fleshy growth on the surface of either eye doesn’t fall into the category of “normal.” The presence of any extra matter in the eye could cause a great deal of alarm. Before spinning into a web of worry, contact Central Florida Eye Institute. It could be that growth on the eye is nothing more than pterygium. Here, we’ll take a look at this type of growth, how to know if you have one, and what may be done about it.
Pterygium, aka Surfer’s Eye, is a condition in which a growth spreads out from the conjunctiva, or lining of the eye, toward the cornea, the front surface of the eye. It usually originates toward the inside corner of the eye and extends from there. Pterygium may develop due to excessive UV exposure, hence the reference “Surfer’s Eye.” It may also result from the chronic dry eye or dry or dusty environmental conditions.
How to Spot Pterygium
It may seem like a growth on the eye would be an obvious thing. It is. But there are other reasons that growth may appear. Pterygium is typically a benign condition that can be monitored or managed, so confirming this as the type of growth on the eye can bring peace of mind.
When looking at pterygium, we may see nothing more than a fleshy growth, or there may be hints of pink, red, yellow, or gray in the tissue. Pterygium may also cause multiple growths on the eye’s surface rather than just one. In some cases, the presence of the growth incites additional symptoms, such as:
- Redness and general irritation.
- A foreign body sensation.
- Blurry vision.
Pterygium Diagnosis and Treatment
This benign growth on the eye may be discovered or diagnosed during a routine eye exam with your Ocala eye doctor. Dr. Croley may observe the eye using a slit lamp, a diagnostic tool that magnifies the cornea and offers a three-dimensional look at the eye’s surface. When pterygium is confirmed, routine eye exams performed yearly will observe the growth and monitor its expanse. If the growth spreads over the cornea, there is a chance that this surface may be altered to the point of affecting vision. If vision is affected, or if pterygium becomes a cosmetic concern, surgical removal may be discussed.
Don’t wait for a routine eye exam to assess changes to the eyes. Call (352) 237-8400 to schedule your visit with us.