Butterfly in My Eye

Introduction

As 'butterflies' can be in your stomach when you meet your crush, butterfly can also be in your eyes..(whattt??)

This is a medical condition called Pterygium Conjunctiva. The word pterygium means wings in Greek.

Conjunctiva is the outermost layer of your eyeball.It is a clear membrane that covers the sclera (white part of the eye) and lines the inside of the eyelids It is made of lymphoid tissue (lymphoid tissues are providing the defence for the eye against bacterias etc).



Pterygium Conjunctiva

Pterygium Conjunctiva is a condition where there is thickening of the area of conjunctiva that can grow and grow into the cornea forming a wing-like shape.

There isnt a definite etiology(cause) for this condition. But research has shown that it can be caused by long term exposure to sunlight UV rays. So people who work long hours in the sun can have this effect in the long run. It can also reoccur.



Picture:wing-like growth of conjunctival thickness, which is starting to interfere with cornea. When this happen, our visual field will be affected.

Treatment
In mild cases, you will be given lubricant eyedrops.
Surgery is indicated when the growth affect the vision of the patient. This is done by using microscopic-assisted surgery by cutting up these thick layer part.
Latest technic is a no-stitch surgery but instead using a gluelike substance. Im not sure what technic they are using in Malaysia though.


Prevention
SUNGLASSES in the sun is VITAL. Those funky shades that wrap around the eyes are better. Avoid sunglasses which have large gaps between the eyes.And wear a hat. Prevention is better than treating.Plus, you'd look COOL..like me!! (hee hee)


u see what i mean?

Cheers~

p/s: i would want to do an entry on contraception too. but now im studying opthalmology. be patient ok guys.. i cant, because im gonna be a doctor...LOL.. (er..again, attempt to crack joke=failed..urghhh)

CynicalMD