Australia’s sunny climate means we spend plenty of time outdoors – whether it’s at the beach, hiking in the bush, or enjoying sports. However, all that time in the sun can take a toll on our eyes. One common eye condition that can be caused by prolonged sun exposure is pterygium, a non-cancerous growth that can affect your vision and eye health.
Pterygium (pronounced ter-IG-ee-um) is a benign, triangular-shaped growth of tissue that forms on the surface of the eye, growing from the white part of the eye (the sclera) onto the clear part (the cornea). While it typically starts on the sclera, it can grow over the cornea, which is the clear surface of the eye. This can lead to vision problems if left untreated.
Although pterygium is often referred to as a “surfer’s eye,” it affects people of all ages and lifestyles, especially those living in areas with high UV exposure – like Australia.
What Causes Pterygium?
The most significant risk factor for developing pterygium is UV radiation. In Australia, with our strong sunlight, exposure to UV rays can cause the eye’s surface to become irritated, leading to abnormal tissue growth. Other environmental factors that can contribute include:
- Wind: Dry, windy conditions can irritate the eyes and increase the likelihood of pterygium.
- Dust and smoke: Frequent exposure to dust, smoke, and other environmental irritants can also increase your risk.
- Age: People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop pterygium, although younger individuals can be affected as well.
People who spend long hours outdoors without proper eye protection – such as farmers, tradies, surfers, and beachgoers – are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of Pterygium
In the early stages, a pterygium may not cause many noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Redness or irritation in the affected eye
- A yellow or white growth that appears on the white of the eye
- A foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in your eye)
- Dryness and irritation in the eye, especially when exposed to wind or smoke
- Blurry vision if the pterygium grows over the cornea
In more advanced cases, pterygium can cause significant discomfort and even affect your vision if it interferes with the cornea. This is why it’s important to have regular eye check-ups to catch any early signs.
How is Pterygium Treated?
Treatment for pterygium depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, you might not need any treatment other than using artificial tears or lubricating drops to soothe dryness and irritation. For more serious cases, particularly if the pterygium is affecting vision, your optometrist may recommend the following:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce redness and swelling
- Surgical removal: If the pterygium is causing significant vision issues or discomfort, surgery might be necessary to remove the growth. Although surgery is generally safe, there is a risk of recurrence, which can be minimised with proper post-operative care.
How Can You Prevent Pterygium?
Given that UV exposure is the primary cause of pterygium, the best way to prevent it is to protect your eyes from the sun. Here are some practical tips to safeguard your eye health:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarised lenses can also help reduce glare from the sun.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat: This adds an extra layer of protection from UV rays and reduces the amount of sunlight hitting your eyes.
- Use sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen around your eyes, especially if you’re outside for long periods. There are also specific sunscreens made for the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Seek shade: Whenever possible, avoid direct sunlight, especially during the peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Stay hydrated: Keeping your eyes moist with lubricating drops or artificial tears can help reduce the feeling of dryness and irritation.
- Avoid smoking and environmental irritants: Smoke and other pollutants can worsen eye irritation and increase the risk of pterygium.
If you notice any symptoms of pterygium, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with us at Shire Optometrists. A thorough eye exam will help determine if you have pterygium and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help preserve your vision.
