How people notice and see Pterygium without knowing it is Pterygium   Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a small, fleshy growth on the white part of your eye, usually near the nose? It might appear slightly red, or you might feel like something’s stuck in your eye. This growth can slowly creep onto the clear, center part of your eye, known as the cornea, causing discomfort, dryness, or even blurred vision. Many people mistake these signs for simple irritation, dryness, or tired eyes, unaware that they might be dealing with a condition called pterygium.   1. What is Pterygium? Pterygium (pronounced tuh-RIJ-ee-um) is a common eye condition that looks like a triangular or wedge-shaped growth on the eye’s surface. It usually starts small but can slowly expand toward the cornea. Though it might look concerning, it’s not cancerous. For some, it’s just a minor cosmetic issue, but for others, it can cause vision problems or significant discomfort   2. Why does it happen? Pterygium happens mainly due to long-term exposure to UV light from the sun, which is why it’s often called "surfer’s eye." But you don’t have to be a surfer to get it - anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially without proper eye protection, is at risk. Dust, wind, and dry environments can also irritate the eye and contribute to its development. Genetics can play a part, too, as pterygium is more common in certain families. Pinguecula and pterygium are often mistaken for each other. Pinguecula is a yellowish bump on the conjunctiva, while pterygium extends onto the cornea and can affect vision. Proper diagnosis is key.   3. What to do when you notice it? If you spot a growth on your eye or feel persistent discomfort, dryness, or redness, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with an eye specialist, especially if it’s growing or starting to affect your vision. The doctor can diagnose pterygium with a simple eye exam and discuss whether it needs to be treated right away or monitored over time.   4. Treatment Options Observation and Protection: In mild cases, protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and using lubricating eye drops can help keep symptoms in check. Medication: If the pterygium becomes red and inflamed, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce irritation.  Surgery: When pterygium grows too large, affects vision, or causes significant discomfort, surgery to remove the growth may be recommended. This involves removing the tissue and often placing a graft (a small piece of your own conjunctiva) to cover the area and reduce the chance of it coming back.   5. Advice from Bangkok Eye Hospital and Next Steps At Bangkok Eye Hospital, our experienced ophthalmologists often see patients who are unsure what’s causing their eye discomfort or unusual growths. It’s essential to address these concerns early to avoid complications. If surgery is necessary, one of the best innovations available today is using fibrin glue during pterygium surgery, which offers many benefits over traditional stitches.     To learn more about how fibrin glue can improve your recovery and comfort, check out our next article on this advanced treatment here. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bangkok Eye Hospital - our team is here to guide you through every step of your eye care journey.

Boost Your Eye Health with Lutein and Zeaxanthin When it comes to keeping your eyes in top shape, it's not just about vitamin A. Dive into the world of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, the eye-boosting heroes found in colorful fruits and veggies. In this guide, we'll break down their role in shielding your eyes from UV rays, slowing down cataracts, and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Let's make eye health easy to understand.   Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Your Eye's Bodyguards Meet Lutein and Zeaxanthin, your natural eye bodyguards. These antioxidants are your eyes' first line of defense. Learn how they work to protect your eyes by blocking harmful UV rays and preserving your precious optic nerve cells. And guess what? You can find these superheroes in delicious foods like kale and spinach!   Keeping Cataracts at Bay Concerned about cataracts? Don't worry; Lutein and Zeaxanthin have your back. Find out how these nutrients can slow down cataract development. We'll explain how they combat free radicals, those sneaky culprits behind cataracts. You'll be equipped to safeguard your vision naturally.   A Clear Path to Preventing AMD Age-Related Macular Degeneration can be a real vision spoiler. But guess what? Maintaining healthy levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin can significantly reduce your AMD risk. We'll uncover the connection between these nutrients and AMD prevention. It's easier than you think.   Conclusion: It's time to give your eye health a boost with Lutein and Zeaxanthin. By adding these nutrients to your diet, you're not just protecting your eyes from UV harm; you're also slowing cataract formation and decreasing your risk of age-related macular degeneration. This user-friendly guide simplifies eye health, so you can keep your vision crystal clear naturally.

Understanding Glare and its Impact on Vision Glare is a characteristic of light that scatters from its source, forming distinct rays or circles. This effect is often observed in relatively dimly lit environments and is less likely to occur in well-lit surroundings. Glare tends to be more pronounced at night and is frequently encountered by individuals with untreated nearsightedness.   For those experiencing glare, it can be particularly bothersome in dark conditions, potentially causing discomfort and a sense of insecurity, especially while driving at night. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid nighttime driving if you're affected by glare. Alternatively, you may consider using anti-glare glasses or applying eye drops to alleviate the condition and improve your night vision.   ** Experiencing glare in well-lit environments and having halos around lights may indicate the onset of cataracts. In such cases, it is essential to promptly consult an ophthalmologist to identify the underlying cause and explore potential treatments. **   Understanding glare and its implications for vision is crucial, as it can significantly impact one's ability to see clearly and safely, particularly in low-light conditions. Seeking professional advice is essential for managing glare-related issues and maintaining optimal eye health.