ABOUT PTERYGIUM SURGERY
Pterygium surgery is performed to remove the growth of tissue that builds up on the cornea. Pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye, causes the eye to become, dry, itchy, red, watery, and in some cases, it may affect the vision. The condition is acquired by excessive exposure to the sun, wind or dusty conditions.
Symptoms can often be relieved using eye drops which are prescribed by the doctor. Some patients may need surgery if the pterygium is quite large and is causing blurred vision, while other patients may want to undergo the surgery to eradicate the redness in the eye for aesthetic reasons.
Recommended for
- Pterygium that advances to the edge of the pupil
- Pterygium that is causing discomfort
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required.
- Average length of stay abroad 2 – 3 days.
- Number of trips abroad needed 1.
COMPARE PTERYGIUM SURGERY PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Israel | 4070€ |
| Turkey | 850€ |
| United Arab Emirates | 733€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE PTERYGIUM SURGERY ABROAD
Before undergoing surgery, the doctor will usually recommend non-invasive methods of treatment such as using eye drops. It is usually after non-invasive methods have failed, that surgery is considered an option or if the pterygium is quite large.
Patients should prepare any questions that they have regarding the surgery, which the doctor will answer.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
The doctor will begin the surgery by numbing the eye being treated with a local anesthetic using eye drops and an injection. The eye is then held open using special equipment to allow the doctor to work.
The pterygium is then removed from the cornea and sclera (white part of the eye), as well as the conjunctiva from the sclera. As the conjunctiva is removed, the doctor will usually take a graft of tissue from underneath the upper eyelid to transplant this to the sclera where the conjunctiva was removed. It is transplanted and attached using dissolvable sutures. Once the sutures are in place, the eye is then covered with a pad.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic with sedation.
Procedure duration
The Pterygium Surgery takes 30 to 45 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER PTERYGIUM SURGERY
Post procedure care
Patients are usually advised on how to care for the eye and change the pad in the days after the surgery. The doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to take after the surgery, as well as eye drops to be administered in the weeks proceeding the surgery.
Possible discomfort
Patients may experience pain in the eye after the surgery.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PTERYGIUM SURGERY
Success rates
Recurrence is as common as 1 in 2 cases.
Potential risks
- Infection
- Recurrence
- Corneal scarring
- Astigmatism
