What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Familial Pterygium of the Conjunctiva
• Pterygium of Conjunctiva and Cornea
• Pterygium of the Cornea and Conjunctiva

What is Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is a benign (non-cancerous) pink lesion that grows from the conjunctiva onto the cornea
• They typically start from on the inner surface of the eye, and grow toward the pupil
• Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light has been associated with causing this condition
• Depending on the size of the pterygium, a person can experience vision problems
• Surgical removal of the pterygium is often not needed unless it is causing irritation or vision loss

(Source: Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is a rare condition, which may be either inherited or acquired. Of the two types, the acquired type is more common
• The congenital type may manifest at birth, while the acquired form appears later in life
• Both males and females may develop this disorder
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicities can be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea? (Predisposing Factors)

• Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a significant risk factor for Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea
• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since this condition can be inherited in rare instances

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea? (Etiology)

• In most cases, Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light that takes place for several years (long-term); although, the mechanism of formation of the condition is not clear
• In rare cases, the condition can be inherited. The gene mutation that causes Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is not known at the present time. The condition is reportedly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with reduced penetrance

Autosomal dominant inheritance: Autosomal dominant conditions are traits or disorders that are present when only one copy of the mutation is inherited on a non-sex chromosome. In these types of conditions, the individual has one normal copy and one mutant copy of the gene. The abnormal gene dominates, masking the effects of the correctly function gene. If an individual has an autosomal dominant condition, the chance of passing the abnormal gene on to their offspring is 50%. Children, who do not inherit the abnormal gene, will not develop the condition or pass it on to their offspring.

Autosomal dominant mutation with reduced penetrance may lead to an affected individual exhibiting milder or no symptoms, indicating that factors other than the causative gene mutation may play a role in the manifestation of symptoms. In this case, these factors may include heat and dust.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea?

The signs and symptoms of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea may include:

• Abnormality of the conjunctiva
• Pterygium (a lesion that grows from the conjunctiva onto the cornea)

(Source: Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea Diagnosed?

Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Eye examinations
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea?

The complications of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea may include:

• Irritation and watering of eyes
• Obstruction in field of vision
• Recurrence of the condition after surgical treatment

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea Treated?

• Treatment of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea may not be necessary, if the lesion does not obstruct vision, and otherwise does not cause problems
• However, if there is obstruction of vision due to the lesion, then surgery may be recommended to excise the lesion

How can Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea be Prevented?

Currently, Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea may not be preventable, if it is a genetic disorder.

• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Avoiding UV exposure to eyes by wearing protective eyewear may help minimize the development of lesions
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

What is the Prognosis of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea is good, since it is not a life-threatening health condition
• Surgical methods may be successful to improve vision impairment caused by the presence of lesions in the eye. However, the lesions are known to recur after surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pterygium of the Conjunctiva and Cornea:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/