Things To Know About Pterygium Removal Surgery
Pterygium surgery can effectively remove a pterygium, prevent its reoccurrence, and achieve a positive aesthetic outcome.
As technology and research advances, new and improved techniques in eye surgery are emerging – including when it comes to pterygium removal surgery.
At Valley Eye Specialists in Brisbane, experienced and highly qualified ophthalmologist Dr Juanita Pappalardo trained under Professor Lawrence Hirst to learn the P.E.R.F.E.C.T technique, an advanced method that improves the outcome of pterygium surgery.
Read on to learn more about the condition and everything you need to know about pterygium surgery before your consultation.
What is a pterygium, and how can it be removed?
A pterygium is a growth of tissue from the white of the eye onto the cornea, usually appearing in a triangular-like shape. It can appear in just one eye or both of the eyes. Often, it is caused by sun exposure, making it a common condition in Queensland. The condition can cause itching, burning, redness, and vision issues.
Surgery can remove the pterygium to relieve symptoms, improve vision, and prevent the reoccurrence of the condition. Removing the pterygium generally involves excising the overgrown tissue from the eye, before taking some healthy tissue from another part of the eye and placing it in the area where the pterygium was removed – this is called a tissue graft. Not only does a tissue graft help to prevent reoccurrence, but it can also improve aesthetic outcomes.
The P.E.R.F.E.C.T technique and why it is important
Professor Lawrence Hirst created the P.E.R.F.E.C.T (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplantation) technique to effectively remove a pterygium. This is currently the most advanced technique for pterygium surgery.
The technique, which involves a tissue graft, further prevents the reoccurrence of a pterygium after surgery. The careful, high attention to detail that the technique requires will also help to reduce the risk of complications after surgery.
Preventing the reoccurrence of a pterygium is important for numerous reasons. First, treating a reoccurring pterygium can sometimes be more difficult than the first removal. This can prevent a variety of concerns regarding successful outcomes, the patient’s recovery journey, and more.
Essentially, the most effective way to achieve long-term or permanent results is to remove the first occurrence of pterygium with an advanced method.
Being a suitable candidate for pterygium surgery
Before a pterygium removal, you’ll undergo a detailed evaluation with your ophthalmologist to ensure a correct diagnosis, as symptoms can also resemble other eye conditions.
Your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye exam, which can include digital imaging, and review your health and lifestyle to create a personalised treatment plan.
Suitable candidates for pterygium surgery are generally those with a pterygium that is causing significant symptoms, such as vision problems, irritation, or cosmetic concerns.
The procedure is typically recommended for those whose condition does not respond to other treatments. Ideally, candidates should be in good health, and not have any severe underlying health conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery.
Suitable candidates should also be able to follow pre-operative and post-operative care instructions, as well as understand what to expect when it comes to the results of the surgery.
What to expect on the day of the procedure
At Valley Eye, pterygium surgery will be conducted by the highly qualified and experienced Dr Juanita Pappalardo.
The procedure is typically performed as a day surgery and can be performed at either Brisbane Day Surgery in Spring Hill or North West Private Hospital in Everton Park.
Since every procedure will need to be tailored to meet individual patient needs, the full details of the surgery will be discussed during your consultation.
Generally, upon arrival at the surgical facility, eye drops will be used to prepare your eye for the surgery. Then, the surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on your needs.
With extensive training to perform the technique, Dr Pappalardo uses the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. technique (Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplantation).
What to expect during recovery
After surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you, and, ideally, have someone stay with you that night. You won’t be able to drive home after surgery, and you may find that certain daily tasks will be harder to complete, so having some help at home can make your recovery a lot easier.
You can normally go home on the same day, but you will need a follow-up visit the next day so that your ophthalmologist can check your eye’s healing progress. To monitor your healing throughout recovery, you’ll usually need around three follow-up visits over the next year.
You’ll receive detailed recovery instructions, that are tailored to the details of your personal pterygium surgery. Your instructions can involve wearing a bandage or eye patch, using prescribed eye drops, taking or avoiding certain medications and minimising physical activity.
In terms of how you will feel after your surgery, you can generally expect redness and a gritty feeling in your eye for a few weeks. Your prescribed eye drops should help to reduce discomfort as the eye heals.
The possible complications of pterygium surgery
After pterygium removal surgery, you may experience normal, short-term side effects such as redness, inflammation, and discomfort, which usually resolve within a few weeks and can be managed with eye drops. These drops help soothe the eye and prevent further issues.
However, you’ll also need to be aware of other potential complications, such as infection, which can cause redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Infection requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Other concerns include persistent discomfort, dry eye, scarring, and possible vision changes. Scarring can lead to discomfort or vision problems like astigmatism, while dry eye might cause itching or a foreign body sensation. Though rare, vision changes can occur due to complications such as corneal thinning or scarring.
Your ophthalmologist will take measures to minimise these risks, and you can discuss them in detail during your consultation. Your recovery instructions, and preparation instructions, will also be designed to prevent the complications associated with the surgery.
Apart from these potential complications of eye surgery, the main concern of pterygium removal surgery is the recurrence of the condition. Although it is rare, at about less than one in 1,000 cases, it is still a good idea to undergo a removal using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method to further reduce the chances of reoccurrence.
Choose Valley Eye Specialists in Brisbane
For pterygium removal surgery with a low reoccurrence rate, using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method, choose ophthalmologists who operate at Valley Eye Specialists.
Dr Juanita Pappalardo
Dr Juanita Pappalardo, trained by Professor Lawrence Hirst in the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. technique, performs pterygium removal with a low recurrence rate and minimal risks due to her precise approach.
Recognised with the Filipic Greer Medal for her work in Ophthalmic Pathology and published in international journals, Dr Pappalardo combines extensive training with active research and teaching in ocular genetics.
Please contact our team at Valley Eye today to schedule your consultation. We can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.