Pterygium Surgery

San Diego Pterygium Surgery

 Currently, we no longer offer general eye care or pterygium surgery. 

What is a pterygium?

A pterygium is a fibrovascular ingrowth that can grow from the conjunctiva of your eye onto your cornea. The meaning of the word pterygium in Greek means "little wing" because it looks like a small wing on your eye. A pterygium is caused by fibrovascular tissue that grows onto your cornea. It can destroy certain layers of your cornea. At the San Diego LASIK Institute, Dr. Pham uses the most advanced methods of removing your pterygium.

What are the symptoms associated with a pterygium?

When you are examined by Dr. Pham at the San Diego LASIK Institute, he will ask you if the pterygium irritates your eye, causes a foreign sensation, or decreases your vision. You may also have contact lens intolerance due to the elevation caused by the pterygium. Some patients may notice a bump or growth. Your pterygium may grow and comparisons to previous photographs may help us determine the rate of growth of your pterygium. Many patients with pterygia in San Diego may also have no symptoms.

Can other things look like pterygiums?

Yes. It is very important to be seen by a San Diego Eye Surgeon to determine if the growth of your eye is truly a pterygium or another more concerning eye condition. The differential diagnosis for pterygia include cysts, squamous cell carcinomas, conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia, phlyctenules, and episcleritis.

What are the treatment options for pterygiums at the San Diego LASIK Institute?

If your pterygium causes irritation and redness, you may be initially treated with artificial tears or a mild nonsteriodal anti-inflamatory eye drop. However, if you are symptomatic with red and irritated eyes, surgery is the definitive treatment. A pterygium can also cause astigmatism and decrease your vision. It may also grow into your visual axis and decrease your vision. If you have either of these symptoms, you may be a candidate for pterygium surgery in San Diego.

What are the surgical treatment options for pterygium surgery at the San Diego LASIK Institute?

Dr. Tony Pham specializes in a no stitch and no needle method of pterygium surgery. In the past, the main complication of pterygium surgery is recurrence or regrowth. Dr. Pham uses the most advanced method of pterygium surgery to greatly decrease your chance of recurrence. He uses a graft as well as Tisseel glue to decrease the rate of recurrence, speed recovery, and minimize any mild discomfort.

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San Diego LASIK Institute 
2020 Camino Del Rio North Suite 808
San Diego, CA   92108
Phone: 1-619-298-2733 (2SEE)