Pterygium
Background
- Also known as "Surfer's eye"
- Benign scleral growth
- Mass of collagen degeneration and fibroblastic proliferation
- Begins near the medial canthus and grows laterally
- Risk factors
- High sunlight (UV) exposure
- Windy, sandy and dusty environments
Clinical Features
- Triangular visible white-colored mass on medial side of sclera
- Foreign body sensation with irritation, pruritis, tearing, dryness
- Vision impairment (when pterygium has crossed the limbus
Differential Diagnosis
Ocular Diagnoses
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Conjunctival abrasion
- Corneal foreign body
- Corneal ulcer
- Episcleritis
- Painful eyes with normal exam
- Pterygium
- Scleritis
- Traumatic hyphema
- Uveitis
- Pinguecula
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical exam
Management
- Naphazoline/ketorolac (NSAID) drops (if symptomatic)
Disposition
- Discharge with ophtho follow-up (can be surgically corrected/removed)