Pterygium Surgery Brisbane
Are you struggling with Pterygium?
A pterygium is a fleshy, benign growth that overlays the white of the eye, sometimes encroaching over the clear window of the eye (the cornea). It often grows from the corner of the eye, eventually covering the surface of the eye with a pink or red growth. Patients will often describe a red eye and usually experience anything from minor irritation to recurrent pain. Some patients also report a gritty feeling or the sensation that they have something like a foreign body stuck in their eye.
As it’s associated with high UV exposure and contact with dirt, wind, and dust, it’s sometimes referred to as “surfer’s eye”.
What are my options for pterygium treatment?
Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your pterygium: how large it is, how much discomfort or impairment it is giving you. While surgical removal is common for pterygiums that have the potential to affect vision, there are short-term interventions that can help, too. Ophthalmologists can prescribe a short course of steroid eye drops, or might recommend you wear wrap-around sunglasses for a period of time to minimise UV exposure and allow your symptoms to subside.
However, pterygium removal is often recommended early before the growth extends across your vision. This involves a low-risk, minimally invasive surgery, conducted by a specialist ophthalmologist like Dr Ryan.
During your initial assessment appointment, we’ll go into more detail on what to expect during the surgery, including answering any questions you may have about preparation and recovery. You’ll be given a thorough examination, and Dr Ryan will explain your treatment options as well as any recovery instructions you will need.
Understanding the procedure
Dr Ryan uses the latest in modern surgical techniques to prevent the recurrence of the growth and to maximise the cosmetic result.
The goal of pterygium surgery is to remove the pterygium, which may be causing discomfort or vision problems. Pterygium removal is a day surgery, generally taking under an hour and using only local anaesthetic with heavy sedation.
How it works
During this surgery, the pterygium will be removed, and a healthy portion of conjunctiva tissue – the clear membrane that covers the whites of your eyes – will be taken from another part of your eye. This healthy conjunctiva tissue will be grafted over the site where the pterygium was.
Dr Ryan uses a sutureless surgery – using a medical glue instead of stitches, which many patients find to be less intimidating. A sutureless surgery can also improve your comfort following the procedure.
After surgery, your affected eye will be covered with an eye patch, and you will be able to go home shortly afterwards. You will need to arrange for someone to accompany you home. Dr Ryan will give you instructions on when you can resume activities like driving and exercising post-surgery.
What should I do after my pterygium removal surgery?
As pterygiums are caused by UV damage to the ocular surface tissue, following the procedure, it’s recommended you wear sunglasses to prevent further UV damage to the eyes.
Compliance with post-operative eye drops is crucial for preventing recurrence and ensuring no residual tissue or irritation. Pain associated with this procedure is usually manageable through oral pain medications, and Dr Ryan will talk you through the right pain management techniques for you.
Why trust Dr Ryan with your Pterygium Surgery?
Dr Ryan is a highly experienced eye surgeon with extensive experience across a range of eye operations and procedures. His expertise spans from straightforward cataract operations to complex glaucoma procedures. Dr Ryan is committed to helping his patients through each stage of the process – from answering questions at the initial consult, through to surgical aftercare and follow-up appointments.
Sutureless pterygium surgery
Enjoy a more comfortable procedure and recovery with a sutureless surgery. We use blood-based glue to avoid using sutures.
Emphasis on prevention of recurrence
We use the latest surgical techniques to reduce the likelihood of pterygium recurring, helping you protect your vision for the long term.
Highly experienced surgeon
Dr Ryan has advanced training in corneal and external diseases, having worked at prestigious universities and hospitals globally.
An equal focus on the cosmetic outcome
We place your safety and quality of life in the highest regard; however, we know the cosmetic outcome is important too: Dr Ryan will help you balance health and cosmetic reasons with expert care.
You’ll understand your procedure
Any surgery can seem daunting, but expert reassurance and transparency help. Dr Ryan will explain your condition and procedure to you clearly, helping you calm any fears and understand your procedure ahead of time.
About Dr Geoffrey Ryan
Dr Geoffrey Ryan is a highly qualified and experienced ophthalmologist, working across both public and private sectors. Predominantly working from the Queensland Eye Institute, he makes an active effort to explain the procedure and potential treatment options in a way that’s transparent and easy to understand.
Organise your appointment today
Complete our convenient online form to book your appointment with Dr Geoffrey Ryan. Simply enter your details, and one of our friendly reception team members will be in touch to organise your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Pterygium FAQs
A pterygium is an abnormal growth of conjunctival tissue overlying the cornea. It can appear in just one or both eyes. Sometimes, these growths can spread and cause vision issues, which is why it’s important to get them assessed when they appear. They can also cause mild eye irritation.
It is believed that pterygium is caused by exposure to environmental factors such as dust and sand/ dirt particles, wind, and ultraviolet light: hence the name “surfer’s eye”. It tends to grow from the inner corner of the eye, towards the centre.
To help prevent pterygium and pterygium reoccurrence, avoid excessive sun exposure and other factors that can cause severe inflammation, such as wind and dust exposure.
Approximately one in 100 Australians will develop a pterygium during their lifetime. It’s a relatively common affliction that affects many Australians.
While not all pterygiums will spread and begin causing vision issues, it is unlikely to go away on its own – you will need some form of treatment. But even if it’s not causing any vision problems for you at present, it’s still important to have it assessed by a medical professional. When you organise an appointment with us, Dr Geiffrey Ryan will make an assessment on whether or not your pterygium removal is required, and any next steps you’ll need to take. You’re supported through the whole process.
Our approach to your pterygium treatment depends on a number of factors and will be determined by both a thorough eye examination and discussions with you around any vision changes and other symptoms you might be experiencing. Surgery is required as soon as there is any risk of the tissue encroaching on the visual axis; a pterygium requires surgical excision. Other indications include recurrent pain, irritation, or redness that does not settle with lubricant eye drops.
The cost of pterygium surgery will differ depending on a number of factors, including the size and placement of the pterygium. Dr Ryan will be able to provide a more accurate cost estimate for pterygium surgery costs after meeting you and making an assessment of your condition.
We take every precaution to prevent the recurrence. We use the latest surgical techniques to prevent recurrence and optimise your eye’s cosmetic appearance. A conjunctival graft is incorporated into the surgical site to reduce the risk of recurrence to just a 3% chance. Dr Ryan is happy to discuss any fears you may have about recurrent pterygium before your surgery.
Of course, it’s absolutely normal and reasonable to experience these emotions prior to any surgical procedure. Important points to consider are:
A pterygium operation comes with very low risk. The anaesthetist will give you medication to sedate you for the procedure, and it is very common for patients to sleep during the entire operation. Dr Ryan is happy to discuss any concerns you have prior to the operation, including thorough explanations of surgical treatment, procedures and techniques.
A higher standard of care for eye conditions.
Book your appointment below or call our eye centre to schedule your consultation. Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book your appointment below or call our eye centre to schedule your consultation. Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000