Pterygium with Conjunctival Grafting

Pterygium with Conjunctival Grafting

Introduction

Pterygium is a common eye condition characterized by a benign, triangular-shaped growth on the conjunctiva, extending towards the cornea. This condition, often referred to as "surfer’s eye," is associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, dust, and wind. While mild cases may not require intervention, larger or symptomatic pterygia necessitate surgical removal. A modern and effective approach for pterygium treatment is pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting, which ensures a lower recurrence rate and better cosmetic outcomes.

If you are experiencing redness, irritation, or vision disturbances due to pterygium, consult Dr. Shiva Prasad Kakarla, a leading Eye Doctor in Bangalore at the Best Eye Hospital in Hosur Main Road. With expertise in advanced eye surgeries, he provides safe and effective pterygium treatment.

What is Pterygium?

A pterygium is a fibrovascular tissue growth that develops on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) and extends onto the cornea. It may be caused by:

• Chronic UV light exposure
• Dry and dusty environments
• Frequent eye irritation due to wind and pollutants
• Genetic predisposition
• Prolonged outdoor activities

While smaller pterygia may be managed with lubricating eye drops, larger ones that cause discomfort, astigmatism, or cosmetic concerns require surgical removal.

Pterygium Surgery with Conjunctival Autografting

Pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting is the gold standard for treating moderate to advanced pterygium. This technique involves:

• Removing the pterygium from the cornea and sclera.
• Harvesting a small piece of conjunctiva from the same eye.
• Transplanting the graft to cover the excised area, reducing recurrence.
• Using fibrin glue or sutures to fix the graft in place.

At the Best Eye Hospital in Hosur Main Road, Dr. Shiva Prasad Kakarla specializes in this procedure, ensuring minimal discomfort and excellent results.

Benefits of Conjunctival Grafting in Pterygium Surgery

The conjunctival autograft technique has several advantages over conventional pterygium removal:

• Lower recurrence rate (less than 5% compared to 30-50% with simple excision)
• Faster healing process and improved comfort
• Better cosmetic appearance with minimal scarring
• Reduced post-operative irritation and inflammation
• Long-term protection against future pterygium growth

Who Needs Pterygium Surgery?

You may require pterygium excision with conjunctival grafting if you experience:

• Blurry vision or astigmatism due to corneal involvement
• Chronic eye irritation, redness, or foreign body sensation
• Rapid pterygium growth affecting daily activities
• Cosmetic concerns affecting self-confidence
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If you are looking for an experienced Eye Specialist in Krishna Nagar Layout, Dr. Shiva Prasad Kakarla provides personalized treatment plans for pterygium removal and recovery.

The Surgical Procedure: Step by Step

1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation

• Comprehensive eye examination to assess pterygium size and corneal impact.
• Discussion on surgical approach and expectations.
• Pre-operative lubricating eye drops to optimize ocular surface health.

2. Surgery Day

• Local anesthesia is applied for a painless procedure.
• The pterygium is carefully removed to prevent corneal damage.
• A conjunctival graft is taken from a healthy area of the eye.
• The graft is placed over the excised area and secured with sutures or fibrin glue.
• The eye is protected with a bandage to aid healing.

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, typically lasting 30-45 minutes.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After pterygium surgery, patients should follow post-operative guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eye to prevent graft displacement.
• Wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays and reduce recurrence risk.
• Limit strenuous activities like swimming and heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
• Attend follow-up visits with Dr. Shiva Prasad Kakarla for progress monitoring.

Full recovery takes approximately 4-6 weeks, with gradual improvement in vision clarity and eye comfort.

Risks and Complications

Although pterygium surgery with conjunctival grafting is highly successful, some potential complications include:

• Graft dislocation – Rare but can be corrected if necessary.
• Mild redness or irritation – Improves with medications and time.
• Recurrence of pterygium – Uncommon with proper sun protection and post-op care.
• Infection – Prevented with proper hygiene and prescribed antibiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting is the most effective treatment to remove pterygium and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing eye discomfort, vision issues, or cosmetic concerns, consult Dr. Shiva Prasad Kakarla, a top-rated Eye Specialist in Krishna Nagar Layout. With advanced surgical techniques, he ensures the best possible eye care and long-term success.

Schedule your appointment today for expert pterygium management!