[Pterygium: etiology, pathogenesis, treatment].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Ocular Surface Neoplasia

Background:

• Pterygium is a degenerative fibrovascular conjunctival growth over the cornea.
• Multifactorial pathogenesis involves UV radiation, tear film changes, cytokines, genetics, and viral infections.
• Classifications consider growth rate, progression, and histology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis, classification, and modern surgical management of pterygium.
• To discuss strategies for preventing pterygium recurrence and complications.
• To highlight the ongoing search for optimal pterygium treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pterygium pathogenesis and treatment.
• Analysis of modern classification systems.
• Evaluation of surgical techniques and adjuvant therapies.

Main Results:

• Pterygium pathogenesis is multifactorial, with UV radiation as a key trigger.
• Early symptoms include dry eye; advanced stages compromise visual acuity and cause astigmatism.
• Comprehensive surgery aims for lesion removal and recurrence prevention.

Conclusions:

• Surgical options include bare sclera techniques, conjunctival flaps, amniotic membrane, and lamellar keratoplasty.
• Adjuvant therapies like mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and VEGF inhibitors may be used.
• The ideal pterygium treatment balances efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and recurrence prevention.