Technology

Pterygium is a formation of a fold or thickening of conjunctiva on one or both sides of the eye. The growth tends to extend onto the cornea and can slowly progress until one’s vision is seriously affected. A pterygium can be removed by surgery. During the healing process, however, the pterygium may grow back. The use of radiation treatments to the local area after surgery can prevent these membranes from recurring.

After the surgery a radiation oncologist will administer the first of three radiation treatments to your eye, where the pterygium was removed. A radiation oncologist is a physician who specializes in the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of various diseases. He or she will describe the treatments to you and answer your questions before administering the first treatment. The second and third radiation treatments are also administered in the Radiation Oncology Department, one and two weeks after your surgery. The doctor or nurse will place a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops in your eye. A small eye speculum is then used to keep your eye open in the proper position. You will be asked to look in one direction and to hold your eye in that position.