Close up of a man surfing, putting him at a higher risk for Pterygium growth.

Pterygium Surgery: When Is It Necessary and What Are the Risks?

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Pterygium is a common yet misunderstood eye condition affecting many individuals, especially those living in sunny, coastal regions like Honolulu, Hawaii. 

At Maehara Eye Clinic, founded by Dr. Dennis Maehara over 30 years ago, patients receive expert care for conditions like pterygium. His son, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, board-certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a fellowship-trained Anterior Segment-Glaucoma Specialist, provides advanced, personalized treatments. 

If you’re experiencing redness, irritation, discomfort, or unusual growth on your eye, understanding pterygium and available treatments is crucial.

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium is an eye condition featuring a pink, fleshy tissue growth on the white of the eye, potentially reaching onto the cornea. Common symptoms include redness, irritation, discomfort, and sometimes vision issues, as well as aesthetic concerns. Exposure to sunlight, wind, and sand can increase the risk and severity of pterygium, making local awareness especially important in Honolulu.

When is Pterygium Surgery Necessary?

Surgery becomes an important consideration when the growth:

  • Interferes with vision
  • Causes persistent discomfort
  • Creates significant cosmetic concerns

While non-surgical treatments, such as lubricating eye drops, may temporarily relieve symptoms, they do not prevent the pterygium from growing. Early consultation with an eye specialist can help determine the optimal timing for surgery and prevent the condition from worsening.

What Does Pterygium Surgery Involve?

Understanding the surgery can alleviate many concerns. Pterygium surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. During surgery:

  • The abnormal growth is carefully removed.
  • A small piece of healthy tissue may be grafted onto the affected area to minimize recurrence.

Recovery is relatively swift, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days and full healing occurring over several weeks. Modern surgical techniques employed by experienced surgeons ensure minimal discomfort and excellent outcomes.

What Are the Risks of Pterygium Surgery?

Common risks include:

  • Recurrence of the growth
  • Minor scarring
  • Temporary discomfort or redness post-surgery

Fortunately, these risks are generally minimal and manageable, especially when the procedure is performed by skilled eye surgeons. Choosing a reputable provider significantly reduces these risks, as experienced surgeons utilize advanced techniques and technology to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Benefits of Pterygium Surgery

The benefits of undergoing pterygium surgery are substantial. Patients commonly experience immediate relief from discomfort, a significant improvement in vision clarity, and an enhanced cosmetic appearance, contributing to greater self-confidence and well-being.

For residents of Honolulu, where environmental factors can exacerbate the condition, addressing pterygium early is especially beneficial. Timely treatment can significantly improve quality of life by reducing symptoms and preventing further complications, such as vision impairment. 

Personalized Pterygium Solutions in Honolulu, HI

If you are experiencing discomfort or concerns related to pterygium, it is important to seek expert advice promptly. Contact us today at 808-955-3937 to schedule a consultation to discuss your condition and discover the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Early intervention can significantly affect your comfort, vision, and overall eye health.

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Helpful Tips for the Prevention of Pterygium

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It’s inarguable how vital one’s eyes are to a normal and comfortable life. That’s why it’s essential to keep them healthy by taking care of them throughout your life whenever possible. However, even with proper attention and protection, eyes can sometimes still develop troublesome issues. One such issue, which has earned the nickname “Surfer’s Eye” due to its frequent occurrence in patients who frequent the ocean in long surf sessions, is known as a pterygium.

A pterygium is a small, elevated growth that typically grows out from the inner corner of the eye on the sclera (the white of the eye). Though they are non-cancerous and only a visual disturbance in the earlier stages, they can eventually grow, causing vision issues and, in worse cases, permanent disfigurement. That’s why catching pterygium early and finding quality pterygium treatment is crucial.

Thankfully, there are some standard eye care tips you can implement in your life to help prevent the growth of pterygium.

#1. Refrain From Excessive or Prolonged Sun Exposure

First and foremost, the best way to avoid the development of pterygium is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays. Of course, this is difficult for those with outdoor jobs and hobbies such as surfing. Plus, who doesn’t want to go outside and enjoy a lovely sunny day?

That leads to the next tip.

#2. Always Wear Adequate Sun Protection

If you can’t reduce the amount of time you spend outside, then ensuring that your eyes are adequately protected is nearly as helpful. Whether you choose a hat with a sufficiently large brim and opt to wear sunglasses that are equipped with the right level of UV protection for your eyes, just don’t let your eyes take a direct beating from those bright solar rays.

#3. Use Lubricating Eye Drops as Needed

Frequent outdoor exposure to sand, smoke, wind, and pollen are common risk factors for this condition. Are you noticing the trend here that makes surfers highly susceptible to developing pterygium?

When this exposure can’t be avoided, it’s recommended to use doctor-approved eye drops to ensure that your eyes have the moisture they need to stay healthy throughout all your outdoor activities.

Seek Quality Pterygium Treatment in Honolulu, HI

Whether you’re an avid surfer looking to check up on your eyes or someone simply concerned that they may need pterygium treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser at 808-955-3937. Under the friendly and expert care of Dr. Maehara and his team, surfers and other outdoorsy types can receive top-notch pterygium treatment in Honolulu, HI.