Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- supercrescimento conjuntival em forma de asa para a superfície da córnea
- história de exposição crônica à luz ultravioleta
- irritação ocular, ardência e lacrimejamento
Other diagnostic factors
- cosmese ocular alterada
- visão turva
- visão dupla
Risk factors
- exposição crônica à luz ultravioleta (UV)
- idade mais avançada
- história familiar de pterígio
- irritantes oculares crônicos
- infecção por papilomavírus humano e vírus Epstein-Barr
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- exame com lâmpada de fenda
- coloração por fluoresceína
Investigations to consider
- escaneamento topográfico da córnea
Treatment algorithm
assintomático
irritação, ardência ou prurido ocular: sem comprometimento visual, crescimento rápido ou preocupações com cosmese
comprometimento visual, aumento rápido ou cosmese insatisfatória
pterígios recorrentes
Contributors
Authors
David O'Brart, MBBS, DO, MD, FRCS, FRCOphth

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Professor of Corneal Science
King's College
University of London
London
UK
Disclosures
DOB holds non-commercial research grants with Rayner Ltd and J&J. He is an author of a reference cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Christopher E. Starr, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Director of the Cornea Fellowship and Ophthalmic Education
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York Presbyterian Hospital
New York City
NY
Disclosures
CES declares that he has no competing interests.
Robert E. MacLaren, DPhil, DipEd, FRCOphth, FRCS
Professor of Ophthalmology
Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology
University Of Oxford
John Radcliffe Hospital
Oxford
UK
Disclosures
REM declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewer acknowledgements
BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.
Disclosures
Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.
References
Key articles
Saw SM, Tan D. Pterygium: prevalence, demography and risk factors. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 1999 Sep;6(3):219-28. Abstract
The College of Optometrists. Pterygium. Jun 2024 [internet publication].Full text
Clearfield E, Muthappan V, Wang X, et al. Conjunctival autograft for pterygium. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(2):CD011349.Full text Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Differentials
- Pseudopterígio
- Pinguécula
- Ceratite marginal
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Clinical management guidelines: pterygium
- Pediatric eye evaluations: Preferred Practice Pattern
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