Pterygium & Pingueculum Treatment in Huntington Beach

Clarity Eye Group’s experienced eye care professionals are regarded as some of the most accomplished Orange County pterygium and pingueculum experts. They use only the latest, best technologies and techniques available to effectively treat these conditions affecting the white of the eye. Their reputation for excellence attracts numerous pterygium and pingueculum Orange County patients every year, including individuals from Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Westminster.

Pterygium: What Is It?

A pterygium is a fleshy growth that extends from the membrane that covers the white of the eye onto the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. A pterygium, which commonly occurs on the inner corner of the eye, may be small or large enough to interfere with vision. While the causes of a pterygium are not well understood, the growth occurs more often in people who spend a lot of time in ultraviolet light outdoors, particularly in sunny climates. For example, fishermen and surfers who spend a lot of time on or near water exposed to the sun’s rays are more likely to develop a pterygium.

Pingueculum: What Is It?

A pingueculum is a yellowish patch or bump on the white of the eye, most often on the side closest to the nose. It is an alteration of normal tissue, not a tumor, resulting in a deposit of protein and fat. Unlike a pterygium, a pingueculum does not grow onto the cornea. A pingueculum may also be the result of chronic eye irritation or sunlight.

Pterygium Treatment in Orange County

Individuals with pterygium may use artificial tears to help lubricate their eyes and control any discomfort they may feel. The skilled Orange County pterygium specialists at our practice may recommend no-stitch pterygium surgery when vision becomes compromised because of the growth. To remove a pterygium, the surgeons prepare the area of the eye with numbing drops. The eyelids are held open and the growth is peeled away. A small graft of conjunctiva tissue is put in its place to help facilitate healing.

Instead of using stitches to hold the tissue in place, our surgeons use an adhesive called Tiseel glue. Tiseel glue is comprised of clotting proteins that are naturally in the body, which allows surgeons to secure a tissue graft in seconds rather than minutes. Tiseel glue also dissolves in a week with no residue so the eye can heal comfortably. Most of our pterygium Orange County patients are able to recover without major complications and are able to see clearly soon after the surgery with the use of Tiseel glue technology.

Pterygium FAQs

Is a pterygium cancer?

A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth.

Who is most likely to get a pterygium?

Pterygia affect men and women of all ages, but are most commonly seen in men between the ages of 20 and 40. Individuals who live in sunny climates or spend a lot of time in the sun or exposed to dust or wind are at the highest risk of getting a pterygium.

Can a pterygium lead to blindness?

Blindness from pterygium is very rare. Most people seek treatment long before blindness could occur.

Will a pterygium go away on its own?

A pterygium will not resolve on its own and must be surgically removed if it is cosmetically unappealing, causing discomfort or obstructing vision.

Is pterygium removal surgery painful?

No. Your comfort is very important to our team. We will numb your eyes so you do not feel anything during surgery. We can also give you medicine to relax you prior to the procedure.

How long is the recovery from pterygium removal?

Everyone recovers differently from surgery. In general, patients experience mild eye discomfort for a day or two and eye redness for about one to two weeks. Blurriness may also be noticeable during the initial recovery period.

Patients usually resume work and most of their normal activities after a week. Aerobic or strenuous exercise is not permitted for about two weeks after surgery.

When can I resume wearing contacts after surgery?

We ask that you refrain from wearing contacts as your eyes heal. We will clear you to resume wearing your contacts about two weeks after surgery.

Pinguecula FAQs

How is pinguecula different from pterygium?

Pinguecula is a deposit of protein, fat or calcium resembling a patch or bump. It has been described as being similar to a callous on the skin. Pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue containing blood vessels. Unlike pterygium, pinguecula does not cover the cornea and cannot interfere with vision.

Is pinguecula cancerous?

No, pinguecula are usually benign and no cause for concern.

Is pinguecula painful?

Pinguecula generally do not cause pain, but can lead to a foreign body sensation, which is the feeling of a piece of dust or debris perpetually stuck in the eye. In rare cases, pinguecula can become inflamed or swollen.

Will pinguecula go away on its own?

No, but the irritation from pinguecula can be alleviated with the use of lubricating eye drops or steroid eye drops. Surgery is rarely recommended to remove the bump or patch.

Is there any way to prevent pinguecula?

The best defense against pinguecula is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses with wraparound frames and a wide-brimmed hat. If you spend a lot of time in dry, dusty or windy environments, wear appropriate protective eyewear like goggles. Using artificial tears to keep dry eyes eyes lubricated may also reduce the risk of getting pinguecula.

Contact Us for More Information

To learn more about pinguecula or pterygium surgery in Orange County, contact Clarity Eye Group today.