Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium surgery is a procedure to remove a growth of tissue (pterygium) that forms on the conjunctiva and extends onto the cornea. It typically occurs due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, dust, or wind, and is more common in people living in sunny climates. If the pterygium grows large enough to affect vision or cause irritation, it may require surgical removal.
At Desai Eye Institute, the surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The surgeon removes the pterygium tissue and may replace it with a graft from the patient’s conjunctiva (autograft) or with amniotic membrane tissue. The use of amniotic membrane grafts has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of pterygium.
This procedure helps restore the normal appearance of the eye and alleviates symptoms such as irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Postoperative care typically includes the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops and follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Medical Equipment Needed for Pterygium Surgery:
- Surgical Scissors (for precise tissue removal)
- Microsurgical Instruments (for fine tissue manipulation)
- Amniotic Membrane Graft (for grafting, if applicable)
- Topical Anesthetic Drops (for numbing the eye)
- Sterile Gloves (for hygiene and safety)
- Slit Lamp (for examination before and after surgery)
- Sterile Drapes (to maintain a sterile field)
- Sutures (for securing the graft and closing the surgical site)
- Ocular Speculum (to hold the eyelids open during surgery)
- Disinfectants (for sterilizing equipment and ensuring a sterile environment)