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Pterygium
From WikEM
Contents
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
- Sunlight (UV) exposure
- Windy, sandy and dusty environments
- More common near the equator
Clinical Features
- Triangular visible white-colored mass on medial side of sclera
- Foreign body sensation with irritation, pruritus, tearing, dryness
- Vision impairment (when pterygium has crossed the limbus
Differential Diagnosis
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Conjunctival abrasion
- Corneal foreign body
- Corneal ulcer
- Episcleritis
- Painful eyes with normal exam
- Pterygium
- Scleritis
- Traumatic hyphema
- Uveitis
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical exam
Management
- Naphazoline/ketorolac (NSAID) drops (if symptomatic)
Disposition
- Discharge with ophtho follow-up
- Irradiation and surgical excision.
