Mayo Clinic addresses newest treatments for pterygium

Scottsdale, AZ-The Mayo Clinic has answers to the question, "What is the newest treatment for pterygium?"

According to the clinic, although there are a new surgical methods to treat these growths, they are preventable and treatable by non-surgical methods.

Simply by using sunglasses outside, specifically UV-blocking and wraparound types, or a wide-brimmed hat can prevent pterygium.

Non-surgical treatments include over-the-counter eye drops, which are preservative-free, steroid drops, which if used too much will increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts, and a plug that blocks the tear drains.

If surgery is necessary it is best to use an anti-metabolite called mitomycin C that retards the growth of residual cells. Another technique is to place a barrier on the site, in the form of an amniotic membrane transplant.