Recent update on pterygium

Abstract

Pterygium is an ocular surface disorder associated with fibrovascular growth and elastotic degeneration of the collagen in conjunctiva and cornea. It has high incidence in tropical countries like India especially in males because of abundance of UV light exposure. It does not hamper vision until in later stages when visual axis is involved. But the burden of disease has increased due to recurrence rates post surgery which is considered to be mainstay of pterygium treatments. Recently there have been advances regarding understanding of pathophysiology and management of pterygium. This article aims to review the recent developments in pathophysiology including genetics, various treatment modalities available beside surgery e.g. adjunctive therapies and management of recurrence pterygium.