Pterygium (pterygia plural)

The cornea (crystal window of the eye) is 12mm wide and overlies the iris (coloured part of the eye) which is seen through the transparent cornea. The cornea is surrounded by the sclera (the white of the eye). Overlying the white of the eye is the conjunctiva (a transparent filmy tissue like the membrane lining the mouth).

A pterygium ('wing of tissue') is an overgrowth of tissue from the white of the eye over onto the cornea. It normally presents on the 'nose' side of the eye although occasionally, in less than 1 percent of cases, it may come from the 'ear' side. It usually presents in young patients over the age of 20 or 30 years although it has been known to occur during teenage years. This is not a cancer and is a localised disturbance on the surface of the eye. Usually a pterygium will remain stationary after a period of growth during which time it may extend 1, 2, 3 millimetres or more onto the cornea. Very occasionally it may grow further and cross the line of vision.

In a small percentage of cases, a pterygium may grow on both eyes of the same individual. In very rare cases, an individual may have two pterygia on each eye.

Pterygium before and after
P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM Surgery
performed at the Queensland Eye Institute
     

Our own Professor Lawrence Hirst has been undertaking epidemiologic research and conducting clinical trials on the management of pterygium for the last 15 years. He has answered some of the important questions with respect to the cause of this condition including the frequency of the condition in Queensland, together with results after various types of surgical removal. He has published widely on the disease and is an acknowledged expert in its treatment.

Over the last 5 years he has developed a major modification of the existing autoconjunctival transplant technique. The method is known as P.E.R.F.E.C.T.™ (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplant), which he has pioneered, results in virtually no recurrences when applied to previously unoperated pterygia and such an excellent cosmetic result that patients and thier friends would usually be unaware of the eye having undergone surgery.

This, and further information can be found in Professor Hirst's P.E.R.F.E.C.T.™ FOR PTERYGIUM Patient Information Brochure.
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