VALENTINE SPECIAL

Valentines day, a day to love, a time to show that special person how much they mean to you.

There was a man who had such a person. He had that day all planned out.  He ordered a cake and had it sent to her office.  He sent numerous text messages expressing his feelings.

Later that evening he took her to a prestigious restaurant that had a romantic setting.

The meal was tantalizing and the wine was exquisite. While they were having desert, the man gently took hold of both hands, looking intensely and said. “Look into my eyes, tell me what you see”. The beautiful lady moved closer to him, starred intently into his eyes and replied.  “Oh! You have an encroaching pterygium. Can I book you for surgery in my clinic?”

Hilarious! I guess that’s what you get for dating an eye doctor.

On a serious note. What is an “encroaching pterygium”?

According to Millidot’s dictionary of optometry and visual science, a pterygium is a triangular fold of bulbar conjunctiva in the interpalpebra fissure, with its apex advancing progressively towards the cornea, usually from the nasal side.

I hope that’s not too technical. All its saying is that a pterygium is an abnormal mass of tissue arising from the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the eye.  It is common among people in warm, dry climates and/or people who are on the long term, exposed to outdoor elements or smoky/dusty environments.

It is benign but sometimes may become red and inflamed.  When it advances onto the cornea, it is then said to be encroaching.

Management

UV – blocking spectacles are advised due to the apparent link with exposure to the environment.  Patents are advised to avoid smoky or dusty areas as much as possible.

Ocular lubricants can also be used to reduce the feeling of dryness in some instances.

In cases where the encroaching pterygium is significant i.e. blocking the visual axis and/or cosmetically unacceptable, surgical excision is advised.