Pterygium

Background

• Surfer's eye
• Benign medial sclerae growth in the palpebral fissure
  • Mass of collagen degeneration and fibroblastic proliferation
• Risk factors
  • High sunlight exposure
  • Windy, sandy and dusty environments

Clinical

• Triangular visible white-colored mass on medial side of sclera
• No erythemia
• Foreign body sensation with irritation, tearing, dryness
• Itchy eyes

DDX

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

Management

• Naphazoline/ketorolac (NSAID) drops
• Outpatient referral to ophtho
  • Irradiation and surgical removal

See Also

Eye Algorithm (Main)