Pterygium
Fibrovascular growth extending from conjunctiva toward or onto corneal surface Caused by heavy exposure to sunlight and wind Grows longitudinally over months to years May distort corneal surface and impair vision
Mound-like elevation of conjunctiva and engorgement of vessels starting in nasal (and less often temporal) canthus and extending toward or onto corneal surface Little if any symptoms unless cornea distorted
Inflamed pinguecula , but that does not grow onto corneaCancer of conjunctiva, but that does not have winged growth pattern
Refer non-urgently to ophthalmologist if there is growth or if patient reports vision impairment Refer to ophthalmologist if appearance not consistent with pterygium and could be cancer
Medical treatment of pterygium not effective Surgical excision may be indicated if pterygium growing onto cornea and distorting vision Outcome depends on amount of corneal scarring and whether pterygium recurs after surgical removal
