Seguin eye care
Pterygium removal in Seguin, TX
A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. It is strongly linked to sun exposure.
What is pterygium?
Sometimes called surfer's eye, a pterygium grows from the conjunctiva (the clear skin over the white of the eye), usually on the side nearest the nose. Years of ultraviolet light, wind and dust are the main causes, so it is common in sunny, outdoor South Texas.
Small pterygia mainly cause redness and irritation. As they grow onto the cornea they can cause astigmatism and blur vision, and they can interfere with accurate measurements before cataract surgery.
Pterygium in sunny Guadalupe County
Outdoor work and time on Lake McQueeney and the Guadalupe River mean lots of UV exposure, and pterygium is common among Seguin patients.
When removal is needed, Dr. Kavanagh uses a tissue graft to lower the chance of regrowth, and surgery can be done locally at GRMC Outpatient.
Pterygium care in Seguin
Patients come to the Seguin office at 908 E Court St for pterygium care from McQueeney, Lake McQueeney, Geronimo, Kingsbury, Marion, Santa Clara and across Seguin. As the only fellowship-trained glaucoma subspecialist in Guadalupe County, Dr. Kavanagh keeps advanced eye care close to home for Seguin families. Seguin patients have surgery right here at GRMC Outpatient, with three San Antonio surgery centers also available.
Symptoms
- A visible pink, fleshy growth on the white of the eye
- Redness and irritation
- Feeling something is in your eye
- Blurry vision if it grows onto the cornea
Risk factors
- Years of sun exposure: ranching, farming, fishing, construction, lake and river time
- Wind, dust and dry climates
- Not wearing UV-blocking sunglasses
How we evaluate it
A slit-lamp exam shows the size of the pterygium and how far it reaches onto the cornea. Corneal mapping shows whether it is causing astigmatism.
Treatment options
Dr. Kavanagh sees patients for pterygium at the Seguin office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.
For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.
Questions
Common questions
Will a pterygium come back after surgery?
Using a tissue graft makes recurrence much less likely than simple removal. Protecting your eyes from the sun afterward helps too.
Should it be removed before cataract surgery?
If it affects the cornea's shape, removing it first can lead to more accurate lens calculations.
Can pterygium surgery be done in Seguin?
Yes. It can be performed at GRMC Outpatient in Seguin, with follow-up at the Court Street office.
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