Taking to RED out: Sparkling Eyes In Spring & Summer
As spring and summer approach, we are constantly warned about the dangers of increased sun exposure. Dermatologists caution us about melanoma. Doctors urge us to remain hydrated during outdoor activities but there is really not much a hue about another very distressful condition that increases in incidence with sun exposure- Pterygium.
Increased and consistent sun exposure especially in tropical and sub-tropical climates can lead to an eye condition where a yellow-red lesion called pterygium can appear and progress on the white of our eyes.
Pterygium, pronounced “terigeeum” is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva (transparent saran wrap like layer covering the white of our eyes. This layer when infected causes the pink eye or conjunctivitis) which starts with a cosmetically unappealing, constantly red eye with symptoms of irritation, redness and even tearing.
It is fairly common among sports and recreation enthusiasts, golfers, surfers, as well as outdoor workers. Although it often remains dormant and causes mostly a cosmetic blemish with embarrassingly red and unhealthy looking eyes, it can be a relentless disorder, growing across the cornea and adversely affecting vision.”
As the pterygium develops, it affects vision in two ways, one, by directly acting as a scar and two, by altering the shape of the cornea and thereby even affecting vision (remember shape of cornea decides astigmatism, nearsightedness etc).
Medical treatments for this condition are varied and far flung, all evidence to the fact that none of them work. Surgery has been the mainstay for this problem.
I do believe that most cases of pterygium are associated with dry eyes and as we had mentioned in our previous article, the dry eye needs to be treated with a specific plans which could include artificial tears, lacrimal plugs and medications like Restasis eyedrops .
Surgery for pterygium though is complicated by the fact that there is a high rate of recurrence of this lesion and also sometimes a scar that could look worse after surgery
Breakthrough techniques and technologies to address this condition rampant especially in our Florida climate, include the use of human placenta wherein after removing the lesion during surgery, a human amniotic graft (derived from human placenta that is tested to be disease free) is applied to the area of surgery and this technique is further enhanced by using Tissue glue instead of stitches resulting in a more comfortable surgical outcome with a goal towards cosmetic improvement in appearance including a lower rate of recurrence.
Additionally, Advanced Laser Vision surgery and modifications of “ No-Cut” Lasik can be performed on such patients to further make them see without glasses or contact lenses in keeping with the philosophy of “ Look Good and See Good”. This also prevents contact lens wear in patients thus decreasing the irritation to the surgical area.
Even with such surgical advances and pharmaceutical landmarks, I believe that prevention is still the best medicine.
Since pterygiums are most commonly caused by sun exposure, protecting the eyes from sun, dust and wind is recommended, including wearing good sunglasses with UV protection and simple basic ocular hygiene.
So, as spring comes around the corner leading to summer, we must protect our skin but do not forget to bring your hats, wetting drops and wrap around, UV blocking sunglasses to the beach.