Plastic surgery for pterygium in Ahmedabad
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What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye. It often starts on the nasal side of the eye and can extend onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision and causing discomfort.
Symptoms of pterygium
- The eye may appear red or inflamed.
- Persistent itching or burning sensation.
- Feeling like there is something in the eye.
- The eye may feel dry or gritty.
- In advanced cases, the growth can cover the cornea and blurred vision.
- Excessive tearing or discharge.
Causes of pterygium
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a major risk factor.
- Dust, wind, and other environmental factors can contribute to pterygium development.
- A family history of pterygium may increase susceptibility.
- Conditions that cause persistent eye irritation can lead to pterygium.
Complications of pterygium
- If the pterygium grows over the cornea, it can affect vision.
- There is a risk of the pterygium returning after surgery.
- As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
Though pterygium surgery is extraocular, careful management is necessary to minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome.
Diagnosis of pterygium
Comprehensive eye examination
The initial step in diagnosing pterygium is a thorough eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist. This exam includes:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, duration, and any exposure to environmental irritants such as UV light or dust.
- Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see at various distances. It helps determine if the pterygium is affecting your vision.
- Slit lamp examination: A slit lamp is used to provide a detailed view of the front part of the eye, including the conjunctiva and cornea. This helps the doctor assess the size, location, and extent of the pterygium.
- Corneal mapping: If the pterygium is affecting your vision, corneal mapping might be performed to evaluate changes in the corneal surface and assess the impact on visual acuity.
- Eye surface staining: Fluorescein dye may be used to stain the surface of the eye. This helps to identify any irregularities or damage caused by the pterygium.
Differential diagnosis
The ophthalmologist may also consider other conditions that could present with similar symptoms, such as:
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by infection or allergies.
- Pinguecula: A yellowish, benign growth on the conjunctiva that is similar but usually smaller and does not invade the cornea like pterygium.
- Corneal ulcer: An open sore on the cornea that may cause similar symptoms but requires different treatment.
- OSSN (Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia): A cancerous tumorous growth that may present with symptoms similar to pterygium but requires distinct management and treatment approaches.
Imaging and Additional tests
In some cases, additional imaging or tests may be required:
- Ocular surface imaging: Techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used to obtain detailed images of the eye’s surface.
- Tear break-up time test: To evaluate tear film stability, which can be affected by pterygium.
Treatments of pterygium
Non-surgical treatments
For mild cases of pterygium or when the growth does not affect vision, non-surgical treatments can help manage symptoms:
- Artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief from dryness and irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Prescription eye drops containing corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and redness.
- UV protection: Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can prevent further irritation and growth.
Surgical treatment
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient or if the pterygium affects vision, surgery may be necessary. The surgical options include:
- Pterygium excision: The primary surgical procedure involves the removal of the pterygium tissue from the conjunctiva and cornea. This is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Surgical steps:
- Preparation: The eye is numbed with local anesthesia, and the area is cleaned and sterilized.
- Removal: The pterygium is carefully excised using specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon will also remove any scar tissue if present.
- Graft placement: To reduce the risk of recurrence, a graft is often placed over the site where the pterygium was removed. Options include:
- Conjunctival autograft: A piece of healthy conjunctiva from another part of the eye is transplanted to cover the surgical site.
- Amniotic membrane graft: An amniotic membrane (from a donor) can be used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Conjunctival autograft: A piece of healthy conjunctiva from another part of the eye is transplanted to cover the surgical site.
- Suturing: The graft may be secured with sutures or tissue glue.
Post-surgical care:
Post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery:
- Medications: You will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling.
- Follow-up visits: Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure no recurrence of the pterygium.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities, swimming, and exposure to dust or bright sunlight during the initial recovery period.
- Protective eyewear: Sunglasses or an eye shield may be recommended to protect the eye from environmental factors during healing.
Advanced techniques
In some cases, additional advanced techniques may be employed:
- Mitomycin-C: An anti-cancer drug that can be applied to the surgical site to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Fibrin glue: Used instead of sutures to attach the graft, which may improve comfort and reduce recovery time.
Why choose Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad for pterygium plastic surgery?
At Krisha Eye hospital, Ahmedabad, we are committed to providing exceptional care and advanced treatment options for pterygium. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expert team: Our ophthalmologists are highly skilled in performing pterygium surgeries with a focus on both functional and cosmetic outcomes.
- State-of-the-art facilities: We utilize the latest technology and techniques, including routine extended removal of pterygium tissue with conjunctival autograft, to ensure the best results and a smooth recovery.
- Comprehensive care: From initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups, we provide personalized care tailored to your needs.
- Patient-centered approach: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering a supportive environment throughout your treatment journey.
- Proven results: Our track record of successful outcomes and satisfied patients speaks to our commitment to excellence.
Meet the best plastic surgeon for pterygium in Ahmedabad
Dr. Mehul Patel
Cornea Specialist
Experience:
- Over 5 years of exclusive experience in diagnosing and managing corneal diseases.
- Successfully performed more than 500 corneal transplant surgeries.
- Successfully performed more than 1500 corneal trauma surgeries.
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
- Published in national and international index journals.
Special Interests:
- Corneal transplantations (PK/DALK/DSEK/DMEK).
- Artificial corneal transplant surgery.
- Corneal infections management.
- Keratoconus
- Dry eye management.
- Ocular trauma management.
- Chemical injury treatment / Stem cell transplantation.
- Ocular surface tumors.
- Refractive surgeries (LASIK/PRK/Bladeless surgery).
Affiliations:
- Visiting consultant at Krisha Eye Hospital.
What our patients say
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 8 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye Hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs related to plastic surgery for pterygium
During your consultation, our specialist will conduct a thorough eye examination to assess the pterygium and discuss your symptoms and concerns. We will explain the available treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
You can book an appointment by contacting our hospital directly through phone number, or by using the online appointment system.
Absolutely. We welcome patients seeking a second opinion. You can schedule a consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your case and explore your treatment options.
Pterygium surgery at Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the eye area while you remain awake. In some cases, sedation may be provided to help you relax during the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the anesthesia options with you during your consultation.
Our pterygium surgery has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms and vision. Specific success rates and outcomes can be discussed during your consultation. We focus on providing the best possible results for each patient through personalized care and advanced techniques.
The cost of pterygium surgery at Krisha Eye hospital can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of care required. For a detailed estimate, including pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative expenses, please contact or visit our hospital. We offer transparent pricing and discuss payment options, including reimbursement and cashless facilities, to ensure you are well-informed about the costs involved.