I have a pterygium, what will happen if I don’t want to treat it?

29/10/2019

If a pterygium is not operated on, it's possible that it will stay the same if you really look after your eyes by using artificial tears and sunglasses with UV ray protection. Equally it’s possible that it will continue growing, especially among patients with eye inflammation and risk factors like:

• being dark skinned
• sun exposure and dry atmospheres because of work or leisure,
• being young,
• hereditary

In these cases, surgery must be performed so that your eyesight is not affected. Our technique of choice uses a conjunctival autograft.  An ocular surface consultant may find signs of activity and thus give you their professional opinion on whether you require surgery or should simply continue with observation.

Dr. María Fideliz de la Paz