Pterygium

Definition:  Wedge of tissue arising from the inner palpebral conjunctiva and extending onto the cornea. 

Signs/Symptoms:  

• Irritation

• Redness

• Injection

• Occasionally vascularized elevated wedge of tissue

• Decreased vision from increased astigmatism or extensive corneal involvement.  

• May be associated with feeling of dry eye. 

Differential Diagnosis:  

• CIN (conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia) rare condition

• Pingueculum

• Other conjunctival tumors

• Surgical scarring. 

Causes:  

• Degeneration of the deep conjunctival tissue possibly related to chronic irritation and sun (ultraviolet) exposure.  

• More common in individuals from the countries around the equator.

Evaluation: 

• Measure size from limbus to furthest extent on the cornea in mm

• Visual acuity 

Treatment: 

• Sun Glass chit to protect from dust and sun exposure

• Lubrication with ointments or artificial tears often to reduce irritation

• Mild vasoconstrictor drop 3 to 4 times a day

• Surgical evaluation upon finishing the cruise or when getting to an MTF where an ophthalmic surgeon is available

Prognosis:  

• Good especially if mild and vision is not affected.  

• This should not interfere with duty, though can appear irritated chronically.  

• After surgical removal may recur.

This section provided by CAPT Robert B. North, Jr., MC, USN

Home  ·  Military Medicine  ·  Sick Call  ·  Basic Exams  ·  Medical Procedures  ·  Lab and X-ray  ·  The Pharmacy  ·  The Library  ·  Equipment  ·  Patient Transport  ·  Medical Force Protection  ·  Operational Safety  ·  Operational Settings  ·  Special Operations  ·  Humanitarian Missions  ·  Instructions/Orders  ·  Other Agencies  ·  Video Gallery  ·  Forms  ·  Web Links  ·  Acknowledgements  ·  Help  ·  Feedback

Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.

*This web version is provided by The Brookside Associates, LLC.  It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMED P-5139, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. The medical information presented was reviewed and felt to be accurate in 2001. Medical knowledge and practice methods may have changed since that time. Some links may no longer be active. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense.

© 2015, Brookside Associates, LLC. All rights reserved

Other Brookside Products