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Pterygium Pterygium

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What is a pterygium?

A pterygium is a raised wedge-shaped growththat occurs on the surface of the eye. It is thoughtto be related to increased exposure to ultra-violet

(UV) light, as it is more common in people whohave lived in sunny areas.

Pterygium starts as an area of redness andthickening on the conjunctiva, usually on theinner aspect of the white of the eye. In somecases, the pterygium may extend across ontothe cornea, which is the clear front window of theeye. If the pterygium grows towards the middle

of the cornea, it should be surgically removed.Normal eyeeyelid

conjunctivairispupilEye with pterygiumcorneaconjunctivairisgrowthontocorneaNormal eyeeyelidconjunctivairispupilPterygia can cause a number of problems.They may be easily visible and cause cosmeticembarrassment. They often become sore, red,

and gritty, especially with wind, smoke or dust.

Eventually the pterygium may interfere withthe vision either by distorting the cornea or byextending over the pupil.

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How can a pterygium be treated?The comfort of a pterygium may be improved byusing eye drops such as artificial tear drops ordecongestant drops. These often help with theredness of the eye as well. Some pterygia, whichcontinue to cause problems, may require surgical

removal.Surgical procedureIn surgery, the pterygium is removed and asmall piece of the conjunctiva, which is the thintransparent skin that covers the white of the eye,is placed into this site from under the upper lid.The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic.There should be no pain during the surgery,which takes approximately half an hour. Followingthe procedure, a prescription is given for eyeointment or eye drops and pain relief tablets.For approximately 1-2 weeks following surgery,

getting water, dust or dirt in the eye should beavoided.AEye with pterygium

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Will the pterygium grow back?One of the main problems with the removal of apterygium is that re-growth may occur, althoughthis happens in fewer than 1% with newer surgicaltechniques. To reduce the risk of recurrence,you should try to reduce exposure to ultra-violet

light following surgery by wearing sunglasses or(A) The pterygium is lifted free of the eye and excised.(B) A graft of conjunctiva from under the upper eyelid isused to cover the defect.ABEye free of pterygium with conjunctival graft in place

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a hat when outdoors. Your surgeon may adviseyou not to have the surgery performed over thesummer months for this reason.

Protect your eyes from sunexposure

Protect yor eyes from dust andwindUse eye drops to increasecomfortFor more information on pterygium pleasecontact our friendly specialist team.

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Auckland Eyelife-changing ophthalmic care

New Zealands largest and most highly

specialised Eye Centre offers: the best quality care as each ophthalmologisthas international and specialist training inspecific eye diseases and surgery techniquesaccreditation (QHNZ), for quality of patient care.Centrally located in Remuera, near Newmarket,our main clinical and surgical facilities provideeasy motorway access, off street parking andwheelchair access. Our expanding coverageincludes dedicated facilities at the Apollo Clinicin Albany and surgical facilities at Shore Surgicalin Milford. In addition to these we provide

appointments at a wide range of locationsthroughout Auckland and north to Whangarei(see our website for locations).

modern day stay facilities for cataract andoutpatient ophthalmic surgery

state-of-the-art laser surgery for refractiveerrorsAuckland Eye is dedicated to providing thehighest quality service in a caring environment.From our surgical team through to front deskstaff we place your requirements and comfortfirst. Auckland Eye is the only private sector eyecentre that has Quality Health New Zealand

appointments throughout the Auckland andNorthland regionsAuckland Eye is an affiliated provider to SouthernCross Healthcare and a partner of ActivaHealth Limited.

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Auckland Eye Surgeons

Dr StephenBest

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera HowickDr DeanCorbett

B.Sc., F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.

Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera

Albany

Red BeachDr ArchieMcGeorge

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Albany

Takapuna

Red BeachDr Justin Mora

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Papakura Pukekohe Blockhouse BayDr Yvonne Ng

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Howick Henderson AlbanyDr Sue

Ormonde

MD, F.R.C.Ophth.

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F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Albany

Dr DavidPendergrast

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Henderson Papakura PukekoheDr Alison

Pereira

F.R.C. Ophth.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera

AlbanyAssoc.Prof. PhilipPolkinghorne

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.

Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Papatoetoe WhangareiDr Paul Rosser

F.R.A.N.Z.C.O.Appointmentsavailable at:

Remuera Albany

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phone: (64) 09 529 2480free phone: 0800 NEW EYES(0800 63 93 93)fax: (64) 09 529 2481email: admin@aucklandeye.co.nz

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