Early detection and timely treatment of pterygium

Pterygium is one of the common eye diseases in our country, especially in people who are often exposed to sunlight, wind, dust, polluted environment... If not detected and treated promptly, the disease can progress and cause vision loss, affecting daily life and work.

Dr. Bui Thai Dat, Head of the General Ophthalmology Department at Hanoi - Dong Nai Eye Hospital, examines and prescribes treatment for a patient with pterygium. Photo: An Yen

According to Dr. Bui Thai Dat, Head of the General Ophthalmology Department at Hanoi- Dong Nai Eye Hospital (Tam Hiep Ward, Dong Nai Province): Pterygium is a condition where connective tissue and blood vessels abnormally grow from the conjunctiva (white of the eye) gradually spreading into the cornea (black of the eye), usually appearing in the inner or outer corner of the eye. In the early stages, patients may see a thin, off-white or pale pink membrane at the edge of the cornea. The disease progresses slowly but continuously over time, and the pterygium can spread deep into the center of the cornea, obscuring the pupil, causing astigmatism or decreased vision.

People with pterygium often experience dryness, itching, irritation, redness of the eyes, and blurred vision, especially in sunlight or when working outdoors for extended periods. In some cases, the pterygium grows rapidly and thickly, causing corneal surface deformation and seriously affecting vision if not treated properly.

According to Dr. Dat, depending on the severity of the pterygium, the doctor will have an appropriate treatment method such as using medication or surgical removal of the pterygium.

Hanoi - Dong Nai Eye Hospital has adopted modern pterygium surgery techniques such as pterygium excision and autologous conjunctival grafting, minimizing the risk of recurrence. After surgery, patients will be instructed on proper eye care and prescribed medication to ensure quick wound healing and optimal aesthetic results.

To prevent pterygium, people should wear sunglasses when in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat, limit exposure to dust and strong winds; clean their eyes regularly with saline solution; and avoid self-medicating or using folk remedies without a doctor's prescription.

More importantly, people should have regular eye checkups, especially when experiencing symptoms such as persistent redness, a gritty or burning sensation, or pterygium spreading into the iris, in order to receive early diagnosis and treatment.

An Yen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/phat-hien-som-va-dieu-tri-kip-thoi-benh-mong-thit-6e872d9/