Pterygium: A Review
Introduction A pterygium is a fibrovascular, wing-shaped encroachment of the conjunctiva onto the cornea, usually in the horizontal meridian of the palpebral fissure. Histopathology shows hyaline degeneration with elastotic proliferation. Risk factors Exposure to ultraviolet light and environmental microtrauma to the ocular surface is thought to predispose to pterygium formation. A localized limbal stem cell dysfunction, possibly related to ultraviolet induced damage and a genetic predisposition has also been postulated. Pathogenesis Pterygium pathogenesis can be considered as occurring in two stages: the initial disruption of the limbal corneal-conjunctival epithelial barrier, and the progressive “conjunctivalization” of the cornea characterized by cellular proliferation, inflammation, connective tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis Morphology Head—the part which rests on the cornea Neck— constricted portion seen at the limbus Body – remaining bulk of mass Cap—a semilunar infiltrating

