pterygium (web eye)

Introduction

A white triangular patch* of hypertrophied bulbar subconjunctival tissue, extending from the medial canthus to the border of the cornea or further.

The apex of the triangle points towards the pupil.

* May not appear white.

Etiology

• contributing factors
  • ultraviolet-light exposure (sunlight)
  • low humidity
  • environmental dust

Clinical manifestations

• red eye, conjunctivitis
• foreign body sensation
• tearing
• ocular bleeding may occur
• described as a vascular growth over the comjunctiva & nasal cornea
• visual impairment may occur due to astigmatism & blocking of the visual axis

Complications

• astigmatism
• corneal scarring

Differential diagnosis

• pinguecula
  • yellowish raised lesion of the conjunctiva
  • will not extend over the cornea

Management

• symptomatic relief & prevention
  • sunglasses
  • artificial tears for xerophthalmia
• surgical excision

More general terms

• conjunctival disease
• abnormal morphologic structure (malformation)

Additional terms

• lethal type multiple pterygium syndrome
• pseudopterygium