Pterygium is a disease in which the conjunctiva grows from the nasal angle to the center of the cornea. This disease progresses over time. Pathology is a fairly common phenomenon, and people may not notice it because of its small size. The pterygium moves towards the pupil and later provokes a decrease in vision and a significant cosmetic defect. Pterygium in the ICD-10 is listed under the code H 11.0.
Reasons
Unfortunately, scientists still cannot identify the causes of pterygium of the eye, due to which this disease develops. True, scientists managed to identify some provoking factors that reproach the development of this disease.
In the first place, of course, is heredity, in addition, the disease can be triggered by constant inflammation of the eyes, as well as any chemical irritants, strong winds or street dust. A strong influence on the development of such a pathology can be exerted by constant work at the computer, as well as ultraviolet radiation. Pterygium can develop in anyone, regardless of their gender.belonging or age category, and this ailment may remain unchanged in the patient or, conversely, develop more actively over time. Another reason that can lead to the development of pterygium is any nasal disease, such as sinusitis.
Who gets sick?
Most often, pterygium, the photo of which is below, is observed in people living in hot regions, since many factors, such as street dust blown by the wind and ultraviolet radiation, have a negative effect on the organs of vision at the same time.
Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms themselves directly depends on the stage of the disease. At the very beginning of the development of pterygium, a person does not experience discomfort or discomfort, however, he may notice some induration on the eye. In later stages, symptoms may include:
- There is a feeling of constant presence in the eye of a foreign body. Such a pathology has a peculiar relief, and when blinking, the inner surface of the eyelid is touched, this causes similar sensations.
- The formation of the tear film is disturbed and, as a result, irritation of the conjunctiva occurs.
- Visual acuity decreases. A spit grows on the eyeball, so vision deteriorates. Increased tearing, bloodshot eyes, constant itching.
- The mucous membrane of the eye is constantly dry.
- An opaque outgrowth appears on the cornea. From the inner corner of the eyespreads further.
- Hyperemia of the eyeball.
- At visual examination, clouding of the eye from the side of the nose is observed at the very beginning of the disease. A triangular fold, often coming from the nasal side of the eyeball, sometimes reaching the pupil, has a pigmented border.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pterygium is quite simple, because an ophthalmologist can see the neoplasm with the naked eye. But it is important to correctly differentiate the disease from other pathologies with similar symptoms, therefore, detailed types of examination and analysis are often resorted to. It is also possible to continue the examination with the help of slit microscopy. This type of examination makes it possible to examine the pathology of the eye in more detail, and at the same time it is possible to assess how strongly the cornea of the eye has grown together with pterygium, and to find out the degree of growth.
To clarify the stage of pterygium, doctors perform ophthalmoscopy, visometry and refractometry. If more information is needed, ultra-precise procedures for determining the shape of the pterygium can be used. They are needed for a detailed diagnosis of pterygium for relapses (based on the lacrimal function of the cornea of the eye). This is usually done right after a recent operation. Keratotopography is used to identify the form and extent of the disease. And in order to assess and detect the activity of the vascular component, a morphological analysis of pterygium tissues is used.
After the disease has been diagnosed, treatment must be carried out, where in itThe basis is the removal of the build-up. Treatment is usually started when the pterygium reaches the optics and interferes with normal and comfortable vision.
How to remove pterygium eyes?
Therapy of the disease can be medicinal (ophthalmic drops) and surgical (laser or knife removal). In some sources, folk methods come across, but due to their lack of evidence and frequent secondary results, in the form of allergic interactions to various herbs, honey, etc., these recipes should not be used independently.
Symptomatic treatment of eye pterygium includes anti-inflammatory washes and drops; in case of significant inflammation, desensitizing drops are used (for example, Alomid, Lekrolin), glucocorticosteroid substances (based on dexamethasone or hydrocortisone). In order to eliminate drying, moisturizing "artificial tears" are prescribed. It must be realized that drug therapy does not relieve the build-up, but only simplifies the patient's situation.
Surgical treatment
When a minor pterygium is diagnosed and if the necessary symptoms are insufficient, there is no need for a cure. If the pterygium increases, then it must be removed surgically. The process of removing the disease is very ordinary, and it takes no more than twenty minutes. This procedure is carried out on the ocular surface, additional penetration is not needed. removed during the operation.pterygium material, and the place where she stayed is closed with a non-infected part of the eye membrane, which is taken from the area under the upper eyelid. This is done in order to avoid a recurrence of the disease in the future, and also for a better cosmetic effect. The material is fixed on the cornea, this is done by applying six sutures or using bio-adhesive. The use of glue reduces discomfort and guarantees good cosmetic results. After the disease is eliminated, a special product ("Mitomycin") is used, it prevents the recurrence of the disease. The probability of catching the disease again, subject to the provided method, is no more than five percent.
Usually, the operation is performed under standard anesthesia. Before it, you can not eat or drink for at least the last three hours. Immediately after the operation, the previously affected part of the eye is closed with a special bandage. The place must be left bandaged, while covering the plastic protection, until the time prescribed by the doctor. The next day, after the operation, you need to start dripping into your eyes with any eye drops every three hours. This must be done within thirty days from the date of the operation. You can also use glasses if you used them before the operation. It will be impossible to rub or press on the eyes, which provides additional protection. If any pain occurs, you can start taking anesthetic drugs.
In the postoperative period, you do not need to lie on the bed, you can safely move around the room. There are no prescriptions at allregarding food and water intake. You can take a shower at any time, the main thing is not to wet your eyes for the first seven days after the operation. The likely length of stay in the hospital after the operation is two hours, after which you can safely go home if the attending physician has given his permission.
Ability to see after surgery
The first days after the operation, the vision will be less clear, but it is expected that after only a few days it will return to its original state. Permanent eyeglass adjustments are most often performed four weeks after surgery.
Possible postoperative consequences
The efficiency of this operation is quite high, and negative consequences are extremely rare. Possible burdens include:
- possible slight bleeding;
- introduction of possible infections;
- appearance of scar tissue or recurrence of the disease.
Recovery
Patients after the procedure, regardless of the method of its implementation, are prescribed bactericidal and anti-inflammatory therapy, which is focused on eliminating complications. If necessary, prescribe moisturizing drops. The cornea already after removal of the pterygium has a high susceptibility. A corneal syndrome is formed - it is unpleasant for the patient to open his eyes, there is tearing. After the wound has healed, these signs disappear on their own. In exceptional cases, it happens:
- malignant modification;
- ophthalmic apple perforation;
- retina detachment;
- corneal scarring will occur.
For the first time after the procedure, vision will become blurred. The rehabilitation period is several weeks. Actually, so much is needed for vision to return to its previous state. After this operation, pathologies and relapses often occur, for this reason it is important to be guided by the doctor's advice in order to avoid the return of the disease.
External products
In order to wash the diseased eye, it is recommended to use tea leaves a couple of times a day, dipping a cotton sponge there. They need to carry out gentle movements towards the bridge of the nose, which will make it possible to get rid of dust and other contaminants that have fallen into the eyes. An equally effective remedy is a mixture of dried chamomile, used in the same way. Such a process makes it possible not only to clean the organs of vision, but also to eliminate inflammation. In addition, it is possible to make ophthalmic drops from natural ingredients on your own. You will need a tablespoon of cumin seeds, the same amount of dried cornflower petals and plantain leaves. Everything is crushed to a state of powder and 200 milliliters of boiling water is poured. The cooled drops are filtered and applied up to 5 times a day with a pipette. 2-3 drops should be instilled into each eye.
For internal use
With a viewTo maintain visual acuity and general well-being of the eye, it is recommended to use an internal tincture of natural calamus root. It is crushed in an amount of 30-40 g, poured with a glass of vodka and insisted for a week. Take a similar remedy 20 drops 2 times a day before meals. Another common recipe is an infusion with crushed calendula flowers. 20 g of this plant is poured with a glass of alcohol and infused for approximately 7 days. After that, carefully filter and take 15 drops at least 3-4 times a day for about a month after each meal.
