Clinical Aspects of Pterygium in the Presence of Cataract

Two of the most common UV-induced eye affections are pterygium and cataract. They are both defined as progressive diseases that impair patients' vision and share some common elements in their evolution process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of cataract influences the clinical signs and symptoms of patients with pterygium. Therefore, we have analyzed 84 patients with pterygium, among which 23 also presented cataract, as an overall study lot, as well as divided by age decades. We have determined that almost all patients with both pterygium and cataract declared extensive UV exposure in antecedents and have also reported a blurred vision. We found no correlation between the presence of cataract and the size of pterygium lesions, or symptoms like foreign body sensation, tearing or symblepharon.