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What is pterygium, and how can it be treated naturally?
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Eye Disorders
Question #14652
161 days ago
261

What is pterygium, and how can it be treated naturally? - #14652

Owen

I recently noticed a small, fleshy growth on the white part of my eye near the corner, and after looking it up, I think it might be pterygium. It’s not painful, but it’s a little uncomfortable and sometimes makes my eye feel dry. What exactly is pterygium, and what causes it to develop? I read that it’s linked to sun exposure, but does that mean it only happens to people who spend a lot of time outdoors? Also, does it always get worse over time, or can it stay the same without needing treatment? What are the treatment options for pterygium? Do eye drops help, or does it eventually need surgery? Also, are there Ayurvedic or natural remedies that can slow its growth or relieve irritation? If anyone has had pterygium before, did it get bigger, or did it stay the same? Did you need surgery, or were you able to manage it with home treatments?

Pterygium
Eye health
Sun damage
Eye irritation
Ayurveda
Natural remedies
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Doctors’ responses

Pterygium is a fleshy, benign growth on the white part of the eye (sclera) that can extend onto the cornea. Here’s a quick breakdown: Causes of Pterygium Sun/UV Exposure: Common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors without eye protection. Wind/Dust/Irritation: Chronic exposure can also contribute. Dry Eyes: Often linked to the development and irritation of pterygium. Does It Always Worsen? Progression: It can stay the same for years or slowly grow over time. Monitoring: Some cases don’t need treatment unless vision is affected or discomfort worsens. Treatment Options Lubricating Eye Drops: Can relieve dryness and irritation. Anti-inflammatory Drops: Help reduce redness and swelling if needed. Surgery: Considered if pterygium grows toward the center of the cornea or causes significant discomfort. Natural & Ayurvedic Remedies Cucumber Slices/Cold Compress: Can soothe irritation. Castor Oil Drops: Sometimes used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve dryness. Sunglasses: Essential to protect from UV rays and slow progression. Experiences with Pterygium Many people manage it with drops and lifestyle changes, but surgery is effective for larger or more irritating growths. Regular eye check-ups can help monitor any changes and guide treatment decisions.
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Ah, pterygium, that’s quite a word, right? It’s a kind of growth, like you said, that appears on the white part of the eye — it’s like a wedge-y shape and can sometimes extend to the cornea. The roots of it usually lie in sunlight exposure. Doesn't mean you have to live outdoors for it, but yeah, people who spend a lot of time in the sun without protective sunglass can be more prone. Now, pterygium might stay the same for ya, or it can creep larger, it’s a bit unpredictable, really. Surgery is needed if it affects vision or becomes really uncomfortable, but not everyone needs to go that route, especially if it’s non-threatening in size. Talking Ayurvedic remedies, there’s no instant fix, but you know Ayurveda is all about balancing doshas and sustainable wellness, right? Think about Triphala eye wash – you can make a decoction with it and use it as eyewash, but do check for any sensitivity first. Also, snanas, like applying rose water soaked cotton on the eyes can be soothing. Rose water tends to have a cooling effect and reduces dryness a bit. For diet, ghee is your friend – it nourishes body tissues and promotes health, so a drop of medicated ghee like Atriphal Ghrita can be applied internally (with caution, of course). A diet rich in seeds and nuts such as almonds can help, since they pacify Pitta dosha, which is often associated with issues like pterygium. Hydration plays a big role in reducing dryness, so don’t forget to keep drinking enough water. Limiting exposure to screens and protecting your eyes with hats or sunglasses could prevent it from getting worse. But hey, if it becomes painful or affects vision, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Traditional care has its place too, and sometimes a combined approach is best.
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