Those people who live in coastal areas or are frequently exposed to sunlight, either by refraction of water or frequent activities outdoors, should take special care with their eyes, they are more likely to develop pterygium in the eyes.
The flesh in the eyes, also known as pterygium, is a tissue that grows on the conjunctiva, which is a transparent layer that covers the eyeball.
The causes are mainly:
- The sun's ultraviolet radiation, which is even more intense in regions at sea level. The chances of developing this condition is exacerbated when the person is exposed, in addition to sun, to dust and wind frequently, which is very common in fishermen, farm workers, physical education, etc.
- Work and be exposed to certain hazardous chemicals, which can also cause pterygium because of the frequently contact with the eye.
- Excessive stress generated in the eye, which is caused by irritation or strong disapproval of what is seen in the life and strength to see clearly. Pterygium appears as a kind of defense or shield against what you do not want to see.
- Redness of the eye.
- Feeling of irritation and dryness.
- Itching, burning in the eye.
- Blurred vision.
- A feeling of having something in the eye.
- Layer in front of unsightly eye, which many people dislike or find it intolerable.
- Meat grows from one side of the eye, and can cover the cornea. The cornea is a transparent film that covers the outer iris tissue that regulates the amount of light registered by the eye. In the center of the iris lies the pupil, which prevents the passage of light abruptly, causing a gradual loss of vision.
- Usually the meat is in one eye, rarely appears in both.
Pterygium and pingueculum
One must learn to distinguish the difference between a Pterygium and Pingueculum. The last one grows on the conjunctiva; it is a thicker tissue and cream colored with yellow fibers and crystals. It never completely covers the cornea.
- You should avoid sun exposure often and for longer times. If you have a little flesh, you must be extra careful in caring for your eyes, trying not to perform activities that require prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- The sunglasses are recommended as a preventive method. However, you should not abuse them. The eyes are made for light, wearing dark glasses can help a little, but they also have opposite effects, such as turning the lazy eye to adapt to changes in light or make it very sensitive to normal daylight. The healthiest thing is to not abuse the sun.
- Avoid contact lenses if you have this problem, as this will damage your eye over and dry out.
- If the flesh is advanced, many people opt for surgery, which is often recommended to avoid affecting the cornea and the eye to degenerate further. The surgery is simple, performed in the same ophthalmologist, who applies local anesthetic to numb the eye, and requires about 20 minutes to cut and remove the flesh. The operation usually has very favorable results, although in some cases there may be some bleeding or infection. There may be some discomfort after the operation, so you usually have to wear a patch over the eye, as well as drops and ointment to ensure a quick and effective healing. To prevent the apparition of Pterygium again (which can happen), preventive medicine is applied in some cases.
In general, treatment depends on the size and progress of the flesh. When it’s small, the discomfort is mild, it is necessary to keep the eye lubricated and well nourished. For this, we recommend:
- Include in your diet enough vitamin A, which is found in fruits and vegetables, in seaweed and spirulina, etc.
- Include antioxidant nutrients to prevent degeneration or oxidation of the eye tissue. Lutein is an antioxidant able to maintain healthy vision as well as vitamin C, which is cell regeneration. All citrus, as well as avocado, berries and green tea are great antioxidants.
- You must drink at least two liters of pure water a day so the eye does not suffer the lack of fluids.
- To reduce inflammation, apply papaya peel over your eyelid.
- Beta-therapy: a more effective method to stop the evolution of the problem in stages. This treatment applies beta rays, which has a radioactive factor.
People who are exposed frequently and for prolonged periods to the sun must have the following care:
- Follow dietary recommendations listed above.
- Wear hat or cap to keep the sun away from directly in the eye.
- Use sunglasses, good quality, but do not abuse.
- Avoid dusty and dry environments, and avoid places with air conditioner.
Note: Do not confuse the Pterygium with the cataracts. Although the two have blurred vision as a symptom, cataracts are defined as the loss of lens transparency, which is the lens behind the pupil whose function is to help focus on a sharp object.