Pterygium Treatment Brisbane
Restore your eye health and comfort with advanced pterygium treatment, tailored to preserve your vision and enhance your quality of life.
At Springwood Eye Clinic, we understand the discomfort and concern of a pterygium diagnosis. Led by Dr Binetter, with over 25 years of experience and over 20,000 successful eye surgeries, our clinic offers expert pterygium treatment in Brisbane. We combine cutting-edge techniques with compassionate care to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Understanding Pterygium
A pterygium, often called "surfer's eye," is a benign growth of fleshy tissue on the eye's surface. This wedge-shaped tissue typically starts on the white of the eye (sclera) and can extend onto the cornea.
While not cancerous, a pterygium can cause discomfort and is usually progressive in growth which can eventually affect vision if left untreated.
Recognising Pterygium Symptoms
Early detection of pterygium is crucial for effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Redness and inflammation in the eye
- A gritty or itchy sensation
- Burning or irritation
- Blurred vision with or without glasses (in advanced cases)
- A visible growth on the eye's surface
If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you see a professional
for a proper evaluation. If Left untreated, pterygium can grow larger,
potentially affecting your vision or causing astigmatism.
Diagnosing Pterygium
At Springwood Eye Clinic, we use state-of-the-art antares diagnostic tools to assess your pterygium accurately.
We will conduct a comprehensive eye examination using a slit lamp microscope to inspect the growth closely.
We will also use corneal topography, a non-invasive imaging technique that maps the surface curvature of your cornea, helping us understand how the pterygium affects your vision.
Visual acuity tests are also performed to assess any impact on your eyesight
Pterygium Treatment Options
We have a range of pterygium treatment options. The treatment we recommend will depend on the size of the pterygium, its growth rate, and the symptoms you're experiencing.
Conservative Management
For mild cases of pterygium, we may recommend conservative management. This approach is suitable for small pterygia that don't affect vision or cause significant discomfort. Conservative treatments may include:
Lubricating eye drops to relieve irritation
Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent progression
These methods can help manage symptoms and slow the growth of the pterygium. However, they do not remove the growth itself. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the condition's progression and adjust treatment as needed.
Surgical Pterygium Removal
Larger or progressing pterygia may require surgical removal. Dr. Binetter specialises in advanced pterygium surgery techniques, offering Brisbane's most effective and modern approaches to pterygium treatment. Surgical intervention is recommended when:
Conservative methods are not working
The pterygium significantly impacts vision
There's persistent discomfort or irritation
Cosmetic concerns arise
Our surgical approach aims to completely remove the pterygium while minimizing the risk of recurrence. Dr. Binetter's expertise ensures optimal outcomes for patients requiring this intervention.
Conjunctival Autograft Procedure
The conjunctival autograft procedure is considered the gold standard in pterygium surgery. This technique involves:
Careful removal of the pterygium
Transplantation of a small piece of the patient's own conjunctiva to cover the removal site
Use of tissue adhesive (fibrin glue) or fine sutures to secure the graft
Using fibrin glue to attach the graft rather than sutures can reduce discomfort and shorten the surgery time for patients. This method has shown excellent results, with low recurrence rates and improved cosmetic outcomes. Dr. Binetter's extensive experience with this technique ensures the best possible results for our patients.
The Pterygium Surgery Experience at Springwood Eye Clinic
When you choose pterygium surgery at Springwood Eye Clinic, you're in expert hands. We strive to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
The Pterygium Surgery Experience
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Pre-operative Preparation
Before your surgery, you'll undergo a comprehensive eye examination. Dr. Binetter and his team will discuss the procedure in detail, explaining the risks and expected outcomes.
You'll receive clear instructions for pre-surgery care. It's important to ask any questions you may have during this preparation phase to ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed about the upcoming procedure.
We recommend bringing a list of your current medications and any relevant medical history to your pre-operative consultation.
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The Surgical Process
The pterygium removal surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure step by step.
Dr. Binetter will carefully remove the pterygium, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. A conjunctival autograft is then prepared and placed over the removal site.
This graft is secured using fibrin glue and advanced techniques for optimal healing. The procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes, and you'll be able to go home the same day.
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Post-operative Care and Recovery
After your surgery, you'll receive detailed instructions for at-home care. This includes using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing, wearing protective eyewear, and avoiding rubbing or touching your eye.
Most patients experience mild discomfort for 1-2 days post-surgery. You'll notice a significant improvement in your eye's appearance within 1-2 weeks, with full healing typically occurring within 4-6 weeks.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal healing.
Preventing Pterygium Recurrence
While pterygium surgery at Springwood Eye Clinic has a high success rate, taking preventive measures is crucial to minimise the risk of recurrence. We recommend:
- Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
- Using artificial tears in dry or dusty conditions
- Attending regular eye check-ups to monitor your eye health
Dr. Binetter's advanced surgical techniques significantly reduce the risk of pterygium recurrence, giving you peace of mind about your long-term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterygium
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The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort post-surgery is normal and can be managed with prescribed medications.
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The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the pterygium. However, you should plan to be at the Day Hospital for a few hours to allow for preparation and initial recovery.
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While recurrence is possible, our advanced surgical techniques significantly reduce this risk. Following post-operative care instructions and taking preventive measures also helps minimise the chance of recurrence.
Why Choose Springwood Cataract & Eye Clinic?
Expertise in Retinal Health
Our clinic is led by Dr. Ron Binetter, a highly experienced ophthalmologist with extensive expertise in treating macular degeneration. Dr. Binetter and his team are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to help manage your condition and preserve your vision.
Personalised Care Approach
At Springwood Cataract & Eye Clinic, we understand that every patient is unique. We take the time to develop a personalised care plan that addresses your specific needs, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support. We aim to ensure that you receive the best possible care at every stage of your journey. We specialise in the unique and painless treatment option.