Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium surgery under the care of Dr. Nishant Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center in Tirana. The procedure is performed to remove the benign growth that extends from the white of the eye toward the cornea and may cause irritation, redness, or changes in vision.
What Is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a benign, triangular-shaped growth that begins on the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye, and may extend toward the cornea. Its name derives from its appearance, which resembles a small wing.
A pterygium can develop in one or both eyes. It is more common in people who are exposed to sunlight, wind, and dust for extended periods, particularly those who work outdoors or spend a great deal of time near the water. For this reason, it is also known as “surfer’s eye.”
The growth is usually painless but may have a raised surface and visible blood vessels. It can cause redness, irritation, a foreign-body sensation, and affect vision when it extends onto the cornea.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Pterygium?
A small pterygium may not cause any discomfort. As it grows, the following signs may appear:
Triangular Growth on the Eye
Eye Redness
Irritation or Burning
Foreign-Body Sensation
Watery or Itchy Eyes
Vision Changes
Options of Pterygium Treatment
Treatment is selected based on the size of the pterygium, its growth rate, the symptoms it causes, and its impact on the cornea and vision.
Protection and Monitoring
A small pterygium that causes no symptoms can be monitored during regular check-ups. Wearing high-quality UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat helps protect the eyes from the sun, wind, and dust.
Irritation Management
Lubricating eye drops may be used to relieve dryness, irritation, and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. When inflammation is more pronounced, the doctor may recommend other ophthalmic drops. Eye drops reduce discomfort but do not remove the growth.
Pterygium Surgery
Surgery may be recommended when the pterygium continues to grow, extends over the cornea, affects vision, or causes persistent irritation. During the procedure, the growth is removed, and the area may be covered with a small conjunctival graft to promote healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Even after treatment, protection from the sun, wind, and dust remains important. Pterygium can recur, so follow-up appointments recommended by Dr. Nishant Taneja are necessary.
Can prevented Pterygium?
Pterygium cannot always be prevented, but reducing exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust may help lower the risk of it developing or progressing.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses: When outdoors, wear high-quality sunglasses that provide good coverage and protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat: A hat helps reduce direct sun exposure to the eyes, especially when spending extended periods outdoors.
Protect your eyes from wind and dust: Wear protective eyewear when working in dusty environments, strong winds, or other conditions that may irritate the surface of the eye.
Have regular eye examinations: Periodic examinations help monitor the pterygium and assess any changes in its size, the cornea, or vision.
Benefits of Pterygium Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the growth from the surface of the eye, relieve discomfort, and protect the cornea. Results depend on the size of the pterygium and the effects it caused before treatment.
Removal of Enlarged Tissue
Reduced Irritation
Corneal Protection
Improved Vision
Improved Appearance of the Eye
Personalized Pterygium Treatment
Protection from Environmental Factors
Protecting the eyes is important both for people with a small pterygium and after surgery.
- Wearing glasses with UV protection
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
- Protecting the eyes from wind and dust
- Reducing prolonged sun exposure
Symptom Management
Non-surgical treatment aims to relieve discomfort and monitor changes in the pterygium.
- Lubricating eye drops for dryness and irritation
- Other ophthalmic drops as recommended by the doctor
- Regular examinations of the eye surface
- Monitoring growth toward the cornea
Surgical Removal
Surgery is recommended when the growth affects vision, continues to progress, or causes persistent discomfort.
- Removal of the pterygium from the eye surface
- Careful cleaning of the corneal area
- Placement of a small conjunctival graft
- Use of ophthalmic drops during recovery
What to Expect
01. Eye Examination
During the examination, visual acuity is checked and the eye surface is examined with a slit-lamp microscope. The size, thickness, and extent of the pterygium over the cornea are assessed.
If the pterygium affects vision, the shape of the cornea and the presence of astigmatism may also be assessed. Based on the findings, Dr. Taneja discusses the benefits and limitations of treatment.
02. Procedure
Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The eye is numbed before the procedure begins so that the patient does not feel pain during surgery.
The pterygium is carefully separated from the conjunctiva and cornea. The exposed area may be covered with a small piece of healthy conjunctiva, which is secured using the surgeon’s chosen technique.
After the procedure, the eye may be temporarily covered with a protective dressing. The patient goes home the same day and should arrange transportation home.
03. Recovery and Follow-Up
During the first few days, patients may experience a scratchy sensation, tearing, redness, and discomfort. Many patients return to their usual activities within approximately 1–2 weeks, although redness may persist for several weeks.
Prescribed ophthalmic drops should be used as directed. The patient should avoid rubbing the eye, exposure to dust, swimming, and strenuous activities for the period recommended by Dr. Taneja.
Postoperative follow-up visits are used to monitor healing and identify any signs of recurrence. Severe pain, discharge, worsening redness, or a sudden decrease in vision requires immediate contact with the clinic.
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Every successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan. Discover the real stories of patients who trust Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center.
I have advanced glaucoma in both eyes and have undergone glaucoma and cataract surgery with Dr. Taneja. I have been receiving regular follow-up care from Dr. Taneja for the past 11 years.
I am very happy and satisfied with my experiences at Dr. Taneja’s clinic. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable, competent, and very pleasant. Dr. Taneja has worked diligently to preserve my vision, and I am extremely pleased with the care I have received. He deserves recognition for how good he is at what he does. I would recommend him 100% to anyone with serious eye problems.
I have suffered from a long-term problem with floaters in both eyes. Dr. Nishant Taneja is truly an expert in his field who allows patients to consider nonsurgical options as the first course of treatment. He is professional and courteous, treats patients with respect, and communicates clearly in terms that ordinary people can understand. I believe he is honest and straightforward, and he is taking excellent care of me.
I have been a patient of Dr. Nishant Taneja since 2010, when I was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. He has treated me with Avastin, Eylea, and now brolucizumab, and I can still read large print.
I owe my sight to his treatments. He has taken excellent care of my eyes. The staff are absolutely outstanding in their courtesy and professionalism. I am 93 years old and can still read clearly. Thank you!
When I first came here, I thought I would go blind in my left eye. I was diagnosed with a vitreous hemorrhage caused by detachment of the vitreous gel. After the laser treatment, my vision returned to what it had been before.
I have received excellent medical care here. The entire staff have been very kind and have made everything much easier for me. I am very happy.
Many thanks to the entire staff. The whole process of my cataract surgery and the care I received were the best I have ever experienced at any medical practice. The staff and technology were first-rate. Dr. Taneja is simply phenomenal. Thank you again.
I underwent surgery for a retinal detachment last week. I experienced no pain during or after the operation. I slept well the following night without needing any pain medication. If anyone has questions about retinal surgery, please feel free to call me.
I am impressed by the high standard of patient care I received from Dr. Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute. I hold him in the highest regard.
I have had diabetes for over 30 years. Over the past 5 years, my vision gradually deteriorated. I had been receiving treatment from my ophthalmologist for the previous 4 years. The treatment involved injections, but the situation seemed to be getting worse. I could barely see well enough to drive, could not read anything on my phone, and began having difficulty recognizing people from a distance. I therefore decided to visit Dr. Nishant Taneja on the recommendation of my eye doctor. He was prompt, efficient, and professional. Within minutes, he had mapped out a treatment plan for both of my eyes and advised me to follow it. I was truly impressed by his energy, optimism, and confidence.
After several injections and laser treatments, he said that I needed a vitrectomy in my left eye. It went perfectly, without any complications. My vision in that eye was restored to 20/20. I felt as though I were opening my eyes for the first time.
After I recovered from that procedure, Dr. Taneja said that my right eye also needed surgery. So, without hesitation, I had that eye treated as well. I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes, and everything is wonderful.
I can now see my two young grandchildren clearly. This has improved my quality of life tremendously. Without a doubt, I am probably the happiest patient Dr. Taneja has ever had!
I am delighted to express my appreciation for Dr. Taneja and his exceptional staff.
If you are reading this review while deciding on a retina specialist, you have definitely come to the right place! An excellent doctor and staff. I am more than completely satisfied!
I believe Dr. Taneja is an exceptionally talented surgeon.
I began wearing glasses and contact lenses at the age of 12. I relied on them to see and read. During the spring, pollen irritated my eyes, and I could no longer wear my contact lenses.
After the procedures performed by Dr. Taneja, I went from being unable to see to having clear vision without contact lenses or glasses.
I would recommend Dr. Nishant Taneja for any procedure he performs. He is highly meticulous, compassionate, and understanding.
He worked a miracle for me. I thank God for his talent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia to numb the eye. The patient may feel some touching or slight pressure but usually experiences no pain during the procedure. A scratchy sensation or discomfort may occur for a few days afterward.
Surgery may be recommended when the pterygium continues to grow toward the center of the cornea, affects vision, alters the shape of the cornea, or causes persistent irritation. The decision is made after a comprehensive eye examination.
A pterygium can recur even after successful surgery. The use of a small conjunctival graft, postoperative follow-up examinations, and protection from UV rays, wind, and dust can help reduce this risk.
Discomfort usually subsides during the first few days, and many normal activities can be resumed within about 1–2 weeks. Eye redness may persist longer. Recovery time depends on the procedure and the nature of the patient’s work.
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