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Pterygium-induced corneal astigmatism
Richard G Lindsay1, Laurence Sullivan
1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|October 9, 2002
Summary
Pterygium growth onto the cornea causes significant astigmatism. Surgical removal of the pterygium effectively reverses this induced corneal astigmatism and improves vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Errors
Background:
- Pterygium, a wing-shaped fibrovascular growth, can encroach onto the cornea.
- Corneal encroachment by pterygium is a known cause of induced astigmatism.
- The degree of astigmatism correlates with pterygium extension, but topographic and manifest refraction measurements show poor correlation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the management of a patient with an advanced pterygium.
- To investigate the impact of pterygium encroachment on corneal astigmatism.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pterygium excision in correcting induced astigmatism.
Main Methods:
- Case study of a patient with an advanced pterygium.
- Assessment of corneal astigmatism induced by pterygium encroachment.
- Surgical excision of the advanced pterygium.
- Post-operative evaluation of corneal astigmatism and visual acuity.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with significant corneal astigmatism due to pterygium extension.
- Pterygium excision led to a reversal of the induced corneal astigmatism.
- Visual acuity improved following the surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Pterygium excision is an effective treatment for reversing pterygium-induced corneal astigmatism.
- Surgical management of advanced pterygium can restore visual function.
- Addressing pterygium encroachment is crucial for managing refractive errors in affected patients.