This guideline last updated 06/05/2022 17:49:08

Differential diagnosis

• Pinguecula
• Pannus
• Pseudopterygium
• Carcinoma in situ of the cornea or conjunctiva (Bowen’s disease/intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma)

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

• Cold compress when inflamed
• Ocular lubricants for symptomatic relief (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
• PoM Acute inflammation of a pterygium usually responds to a brief course of a ‘non-penetrating’ topical steroid
  • Fluorometholone 0.1% eye drops 4x daily (reduce by 1 drop a week to zero)

Advice

• Advise on UV protection to minimise risk of inflammation
  • Brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses in wrap-around style for side protection

Management Category

• Normally no referral unless
  • Threatens visual axis
  • Induces irregular astigmatism
  • Associated with chronic inflammation
  • Cosmetically unacceptable

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

• Topical steroids if inflamed
• Excision