About this topic
The white part of your eye is covered with a clear thin tissue. It is the conjunctiva. Sometimes, a small growth forms on this layer. This is a pterygium. It may happen in one or both eyes. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Use lubricants or artificial tears to help lessen irritation.
- Use steroid drops to lessen swelling and irritation if your doctor tells you to use them.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Keep your eye moist
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Keep the pterygium from returning
What problems could happen?
- Growth can come back
- Blurred eyesight
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Use eye protection or sunglasses when in sunny, windy, sandy, or dusty conditions. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden changes in eyesight
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my eye.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a sudden change in my eyesight.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium.cfm ‚
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/#l ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚