Stacks Image 2266
Tijuana Eye Center

What is pterygium?

A pterygium is a wedge-shaped non-cancerous fibrovascular growth of the clear, thin tissue that lays over the white part of the eye (conjunctiva).

prolonged exposure

The cause of pterygium is uncertain, but prolonged exposure to factors such as ultraviolet light, low humidity, wind, sand, and dust is believed to contribute to its formation. Pterygia are commonly observed in individuals from tropical climates, including Mexico, and are more prevalent in men than women.

Pterygia are often asymptomatic, and some do not require immediate treatment. However, some pterygia become red and inflamed. Large or thick pterygia may bother some people due to a persistent foreign body sensation and dry, itchy eyes. In advanced cases the pterygium can affect vision as it invades the cornea with the potential of induced astigmatism and corneal scarring.

Can pterygium go away without surgery?

The symptoms of pterygium can be improved with artificial tears. There is no medical treatment for pterygium. Surgery is the only method to permanently remove a pterygium.

Is it necessary to remove pterygium?

If a pterygium exhibits growth it is better to remove a pterygium. Growth over time can affect vision and lead to irreversible scarring that can permanently damage your eyesight.

Testimonial

Hear what JoseĖ Alberto Loya has to say about Retinal Surgery:

Testimonial

How painful is pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery is performed with local anesthesia and surgery is totally painless. Postoperative medications will improve the symptoms associated with recovery.

How long does it take to recover from pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft is routinely performed at Tijuana Eye Center. This is a 20 minute procedure that requires a checkup the following day, a week later and a month postoperatively.

What are side effects of pterygium surgery?

Side effects of pterygium surgery may include prescription eyeglass change. We recommend not changing your prescription eyeglasses before surgery. Risk of infection is minimal (1 in 10,000).

How long to wear eye shield after pterygium surgery?

An eye shield is needed only for the day of surgery. The following day it is removed and sunglasses are recommended.

Are you awake during pterygium surgery?

Surgery is performed with local anesthesia and patients are awake and without pain.

Treatment

Today, using Catalase we can remove a cataract utilizing the most modern technology and the unparalled experience of our ophthalmologists achieving more precise, safe and reproducible results. Catalase or Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery as it is known in the USA is available only in the most advanced ophthalmology centers around the world.

Catalaseutilizes a femtosecond laser to create corneal incisions with the perfect wound architecture with the correction angulation to ensure a self-sealing incision, less trauma to corneal tissue without the need for metallic blades and decreased risk of infection. The femtosecond laser then proceeds to create a capsulorhexis opening (a 5 mm aperture to open the capsular bag where the cataract lies so that it can be removed). Then, the laser makes laser cuts in the cataract to fragment it into several pieces allowing it to be aspirated through a handpiece.

Utilizing Catalase makes this procedure safer with less risk of capsular tearing and subsequent vitreous prolapse, retinal inflammation, among other possible complications. Visual results tend be better with more exact intraocular lens centration.

The risk of postoperative astigmatism and extreme fluctuations in intraocular pressure are minimized with Catalase.

Patients do not need to suspend their everyday activities because visual rehabilitation is extremely fast.

Can pterygium grow back after surgery?

There are many surgical techniques to remove a pterygium. The use of conjunctival grafts for pterygium along with surgical experience has led to recurrence rates less than 1% at Tijuana Eye Center. Pterygium surgery results are guaranteed at the clinic. If a recurrence were to happen, a second surgery can be performed free of charge.

Fill out the following questionnaire below to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery:

Which is the best surgery for pterygium?

The best pterygium surgery is pterygium resection and with a conjunctival autograft by an expert surgeon with a low recurrence rate. Rest assured that our pterygium surgeon will give the best cosmetic result. This is backed by our free recurrence rate guarantee.

What happens if pterygium is not removed?

If pterygium is growing and is not removed, it can lead to risk of vision loss and scar tissue formation.

What should I do during surgery?

During surgery you will be lying on the operating bed. The operating microscope will be in front of you and you will always see the microscope's bright light. Your face will be covered with sterile drapes and oxygen will be provided under them. You should never touch these drapes. A small device will hold your lids open.

During the procedure you should keep your eye as still as possible. The best way to do this is by looking at a single point throughout surgery. Usually the operating microscope's light is a good reference point. You will feel the hands of the surgeon on your forehead. You will occasionally feel cool liquid over your eye that may spill down your cheek. This is the solution needed to keep your eye properly hydrated.

What should I do after surgery?

No bandages are required so you walk out of the operating room on your own although vision will be blurry for two or three days. It is important to avoid touching your eye with any pressure the first couple of days after surgery.

Normally there will be some foreign body sensation, similar to having an eyelash in your eye. Eye drops will be prescribed for several weeks. Two weeks after surgery you will be able to perform any activity without risk.

Key Points Summary
  • Removal of Abnormal Growth: Surgically removes pterygium to relieve irritation and prevent vision impairment.
  • Reconstructive Techniques: Uses conjunctival autografting to reduce recurrence rates and promote healing.
  • Outpatient Procedure: Typically performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.
  • Postoperative Care: Follow-up care is crucial to monitor healing and prevent recurrence.
Stacks Image 3542

KEY

POINTS

we have everything you need

Looking for the most popular opthalmologist clinic in Tijuana? Look no further.

Tijuana Eye Center

Copyright Š 2024 Tijuana Eye Center. All Rights Reserved.Todos Los Derechos Reservados. ATENCION AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL Permiso COFEPRIS 203300201A0987 LS 17AM020040034 Responsable Sanitario Dr. Juan P. Rodriguez P. 4452528 Escuela Superior de Oftalmologia del Instituto Barraquer de America.

we have everything you need

Looking for the most popular opthalmologist clinic in Tijuana? Look no further.

Tijuana Eye Center

Back To The Top