cause of a pterygium in the eyes

[Javier Eyeglasses]

I would appreciate your opinion on the cause of a pterygium in the eyes. Some say it is glare, others sand or other foreign matter in the eyes. How is this condition caused, and how do you prevent it?

[Izabelle Eyeglasses]

Pterygium of the conjunctiva is referred as a fleshy growth of the conjunctiva (transparent lubricating mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid) in which it grows into the cornea (transparent dome-shaped anterior portion of the outer covering of the eye). Commonly, a pterygium grows from the nasal side of sclera that possibly a result of the sun's light passing laterally through the cornea where it undergoes refraction and becomes focused on the limbic area.


Specific cause of the condition is not clearly known but it has been reported that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in sunny climates usually experience such problem. Factors including long term sunlight exposure, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chronic eye irritation from dry, and dusty conditions play a significant role in causing such pterygium.