(02) 8-898-2020
(02) 8-898-2020
For 16 years, Myleen Aran suffered from pterygium, an eye condition that affected her self-esteem and the way she lived her life.
Often referred to locally as pugita, pterygium is a fleshy, benign, tissue that grows on the surface of the eye. It usually starts on the white part of the eye (sclera), closest to the nose. Over time, it grows bigger and extends onto the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface on the front of the eye.
“I was still in college when I developed pterygium in my left eye,” Aran recalls, “I’m not sure how it started or how I got it, but my doctor said that it could be because I liked going outdoors and riding motorcycles.”
According to Asian Eye Institute Cornea and External Disease Specialist Dr. Sharlene Noguera, the exact cause of pterygium is yet to be determined, but many studies show that it is often associated to prolonged exposure to the sun, dust and wind. “Those who live in tropical countries and spend too much time outdoors like surfers, traffic enforcers, seafarers and construction workers usually develop it.”
While it does not cause permanent blindness, a large pterygium can interfere with vision and distort the cornea, leading to blurry vision due to astigmatism.
“When my pterygium got bigger, my eye grade increased to 400 and it affected my job search. I could not read letters during eye tests because my right eye was covered. It was also really hard for me to go outdoors. Dark tinted sunglasses came in handy since bright lights hurt my eye and made it teary.”
Aran owns an online shop that used to sell all sorts of products from clothes to shoe rack to backpacks to herbal products. She later focused on organic beauty soaps that were especially formulated to help achieve whiter complexion and clear skin. But because of her eye condition, she could not promote her own products. “I lost my confidence. I did not like getting my photos taken because other people would see my eye and ask about it.”
Different management and treatment options are available, depending on the size, symptoms and causes of pterygium. Lubricating eye drops are prescribed to reduce redness, irritation, or inflammation; while surgery is done if it causes discomfort and is a threat to vision.
In 2016, Aran decided to finally undergo surgery. Dr. Noguera performed conjunctival autograft, wherein the fleshy growth was removed and the affected area wasgrafted with normal eye tissue. “We want to be able to remove the growth and prevent it from coming back. Conjuctival autograft has been proven safe and effective in reducing the risk of pterygium recurrence,” explains Dr. Noguera.
Dr. Noguera also urges patients to consider the altitude, setting, and time of the day when going out. “UV levels are higher in mountains, wide open spaces with highly reflective surfaces like water, snow or sand. They’re also greater when the sun is high, usually between 10AM and 2PM. It is also important to remember that you can be exposed to UV radiation through artificial sources like welding machines and tanning beds.”
“Protect your eyes even on cloudy days. Wear UV-coated prescription or performance eyewear or sunglasses. A yearly visit to your ophthalmologist is also good to monitor your eye condition.”
Today, Aran no longer experiences discomfort and is more confident than ever. “I wish I had done it sooner. I no longer wear glasses. Plus, I’m happier and more confident to post my photos regularly and promote my products. I even meet up with my customers when I have the time. With proper eye care and protection, and regular monitoring by Dr. Noguera, I don’t worry about getting pterygium again,” she says.
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