Pugita Sa Mata: What Is It Like To Live With Pterygium in the Eye?

Introduction

Pterygium is an eye condition characterized by the appearance of fleshy and triangular tissue on the side of the eye. The growth typically extends from the sclera (the white part of the eye) to the cornea (the transparent and bulging area that covers the iris and pupil).

In the Philippines, pterygium is called “pugita sa mata,” possibly because its triangle shape vaguely resembles the marine animal. Pterygium can look very alarming, but it is not a dangerous condition. In many cases, people can leave the growth as is without experiencing any problems. However, there are also instances when it must be removed surgically.

Asian Eye Institute is here to help you if you have pterygium in the eye. You may consult our doctors to learn if you can leave the growth there or if surgery is needed to remove it. We have also prepared this article to give you an idea of what it feels like to live with pterygium.

Living With Pterygium

Pterygium operation is the only way to remove this eye condition. However, many people choose not to undergo this procedure because the growth is benign and barely affects their day-to-day lives. If you want to go this route, there are a few things to consider, including:

Potential Emotional Impact of Having Pterygium

Although pterygium is not harmful in most cases, the appearance of the fleshy growth can still have some negative emotional impact on people with this condition. Every person has unique experiences, but others are deeply bothered by their eyes’ appearance. It affects their self-image, making them feel less confident with the way they look and more conscious of how others perceive them.

Necessary Lifestyle Adjustments

If you decide to leave the pterygium in your eye as is, you might have to make a few lifestyle adjustments. Here are some things you might need to do:

Wearing Eye Protection – Pterygium is believed to be caused by UV radiation and outdoor irritants, like dust and sand, so you might need to use sunglasses whenever you go outside.
Using Eye Drops – In some cases, pterygium can lead to dry eyes and itchiness. You might have to use eye drops now and then to prevent yourself from rubbing your eyes directly.
Going to Regular Checkups – Regular eye checkups are necessary whether or not you have pterygium. However, if you have this condition, you might want to visit your doctor more often so they can monitor if the growth is getting bigger.

When Is Pterygium Surgery Necessary?

Pterygium surgery is the only way to remove the fleshy growth in your eyes. Here are a few things you need to learn about this procedure:

Some Reasons for Surgery

Surgery is not always necessary, however, these are some reasons for the surgical removal of pterygium in the eye:

Persistent Eye Discomfort and Pain – Getting rid of pterygium through surgery might be necessary if you experience eye discomfort or pain, especially if it is not relieved by artificial tears eye drops or medications. However, the doctor might need to assess if your discomfort is caused by the growth or other factors.
Corneal Distortion – There are instances when the pterygium gets so big that it covers the center of the cornea and causes vision problems. In such cases, getting rid of it through surgery is necessary.
Aesthetic Reasons – If you think the pterygium in your eye affects you mentally and emotionally, you can request to have it removed through surgery.

What Happens During the Operation

Pterygium surgery takes about 30 minutes or less, depending on the appearance of your pterygium. Here are the steps that will be taken during the procedure:

Preoperative Care – You will be asked to lie comfortably on the operating table. The doctor will administer local anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure. They will also disinfect and clean your eyes as part of the preparation for the surgery.
Pterygium Removal – The pterygium will be removed from the eye using different instruments. Your doctor will ensure that the entire fleshy growth will be completely removed to prevent it from growing again.
Grafting – Your doctor will take a piece of healthy conjunctiva from the upper part of your eye and graft it or cover the area where the pterygium was removed. They will then use sutures or tissue glue to attach the graft properly.

Postoperative Care

As part of your postoperative care after pterygium surgery, you might have to wear an eyepatch for a few hours after the surgery. You will also have to apply eye drops to the affected eye for a couple of weeks or months, depending on the observation of your doctor. These drops are necessary to prevent any problems, like inflammation or infection.

It is essential to follow the post-operative care instructions given by your doctor. Doing so helps prevent complications and makes recovering and healing easier. Be sure to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can monitor how well you are recovering from the operation. If you feel pain after pterygium surgery, do not hesitate to tell them immediately.

Connect With Pterygium Specialists

Asian Eye Institute is here to provide ways to manage pterygium in the eye. By consulting our doctors, you will be more informed about your condition, so you can decide better if you want to remove it or not. If you wish to speak with our specialists, you only have to schedule an appointment through our online channels or mobile and landline numbers. Our staff members will be more than happy to assist you.

Conclusion

Pterygium, or “pugita sa mata,” is a benign growth in the eye. Mild pterygium barely causes any problems, so it is usually fine to observe it. However, in some cases, surgery is necessary to remove it.

Our doctors here at Asian Eye Institute are willing to help you. Schedule a consultation today with our pterygium specialist, Dr. Sharlene Noguera.

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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