A pterygium is a common eye condition. It is an abnormal and usually benign growth of thin tissue that covers the white part of the eye, most often on the inner corner. The most common pterygium treatment is eye drops (artificial tears) and protective measures, such as sunglasses and hat wear. In more significant cases, surgical removal is recommended.
If you are struggling with this condition contact Vision Clinic Sydney for more information on Pterygium Surgery in Sydney.
A pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva that grows onto the cornea. It can eventually lead to impaired vision and extreme eye discomfort. Patients with pterygium often first notice the condition because of the appearance of a lesion on their eye or because of irritation and inflammation.
A pterygium is a fleshy, triangular growth on the surface of the eye that can occur in one or both eyes. It is caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, as well as wind and dust.
People who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate protection for their eyes are at an increased risk of developing pterygium.
The most common symptom of pterygium is a fleshy pink or red bump on the white part of the eye. Other symptoms may include:
Pterygium surgery offers several advantages, making it a viable option for many patients with this eye condition:
While pterygium surgery is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and complications, including:
To determine if pterygium surgery is suitable for you, consult with specialist cornea surgeon Dr Kumar. He will assess your condition and consider various factors, including the size and location of the pterygium and your overall eye health. If the pterygium is causing vision problems, discomfort, or affecting your quality of life, surgery may be recommended.
Pterygium surgery is typically done under local anaesthetic, and the most common surgical technique involves the following steps:
The entire procedure is typically completed within 30 minutes, and you can return home the same day. Our ophthalmologist will provide post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Pterygium recurrence is typically low, in the order of 1%.
In this procedure, the pterygium is removed along with the tissue covering the sclera (conjunctiva). Tissue is removed from the patient’s upper conjunctiva and used to cover the bare sclera. Dr Kumar advocates the use of modern tissue adhesives such as fibrin glue rather than sutures to fix the auto-conjunctival graft into place.
The cost of pterygium surgery may be dependent on the severity of the condition.
After a full consultation with Dr Kumar, you will be provided with a detailed quotation.
Please contact us directly or book a consultation to find out more about our prices.
Vision Clinic Sydney can help with pterygium surgery. We can provide a comprehensive eye examination to determine the degree of the condition and the best course of treatment.
Dr Nikhil Kumar has a long-standing admiration for the complexities of the eye, leading him to pursue ophthalmology as a speciality. He was awarded a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle in 1998 and went on to finish his specialised training in ophthalmology at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008. He has further subspecialist cornea training and has performed thousands of pterygium surgeries.
His area of expertise in surgical procedures includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, pterygium surgery, keratoconus management and laser vision correction.
For the initial visit, you will need to provide a referral letter from your primary care physician or eye specialist in order to qualify for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures done at the clinic.
If you do not have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate.
You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.
Please bring:
Pterygium surgery is generally not painful. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, some patients experience minor discomfort or redness, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Pterygium is often caused by frequent or excess exposure to the sun’s UV light. People who spend time outdoors are recommended to wear UV-protective eyewear and a hat.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
In this procedure, the pterygium is removed along with the tissue covering the sclera (conjunctiva). Tissue is removed from the patient’s upper conjunctiva and used to cover the bare sclera. Dr. Kumar advocates the use of fibrin glue rather than sutures to fix the autoconjunctival graft into place.
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