Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Pinguecula
  • Pannus
  • Pseudopterygium
  • Carcinoma in situ of the cornea or conjunctiva (Bowen’s disease/intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma)

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Cold compress when inflamed
  • Ocular lubricants for symptomatic relief (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
  • PoM Acute inflammation of a pterygium usually responds to a brief course of a ‘non-penetrating’ topical steroid
    • Fluorometholone 0.1% eye drops 4x daily (reduce by 1 drop a week to zero)

Advice

  • Advise on UV protection to minimise risk of inflammation
    • Brimmed hat
    • Sunglasses in wrap-around style for side protection

Management Category

  • Normally no referral unless
    • Threatens visual axis
    • Induces irregular astigmatism
    • Associated with chronic inflammation
    • Cosmetically unacceptable

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Topical steroids if inflamed
  • Excision