A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of thickened tissue that covers the white part of the eye. Typically, a pterygium starts growing near the inside corner of the eye. It is not a cancer and will not develop into cancer. Composed of conjunctival tissue, a pterygium may:

• grow large enough to cover the pupil, which can blur or obstruct vision
• cause irritation, tearing and discomfort
• interfere with the comfortable wearing of contact lenses
• pull on the cornea and distort its shape, which can cause astigmatism
• look red and unattractive.

In these cases, the pterygium may have to be surgically removed.

The exact cause of a pterygium is not known. Genetic factors may be important as pterygia tend to run in families. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is thought to play a major role. Risk factors include:

• living in a tropical environment
• working outdoors
• spending a lot of time in the sun.

 

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