Laser treatment for Pinguecula may
be an option where other types of treatment have not been satisfactory
according to researchers reporting in the journal Cornea..A
Pinguecula is a common, non-cancerous growth of the clear, thin tissue covering
the eye called the conjunctiva. The growth is raised slightly from the surface
of the white part of the eye called sclera. While the exact cause is
unknown long-term sunlight exposure and eye irritation may be
factors. Welding is a major job-related risk.
Usually no treatment is needed
however keeping the eye moist with artificial tears may help prevent the
area from becoming inflamed. Sometimes the temporary use of mild steroid
eye drops can also be helpful. Occasionally the growth may need to be
removed for comfort or for cosmetic reasons especially if it grows over the
cornea and impairs vision. When this happens, the growth is called a pterygium.
The researchers reporting in the
journal Cornea
evaluated 15 eyes in 21 patients and treated their Pinguecula with laser
treatment using argon laser photocoagulation. The
overall cosmetic results were excellent or good in 90.5% of laser-treated cases
and the laser treated cases had minimal scarring or hemorrhage. They concluded
that argon laser photocoagulation is an effective and safe method for removing
a Pinguecula for cosmetic purposes and the laser method facilitates control of
the extent and depth of removal and thus minimizes conjunctival defects and
other complications.
If you or someone
you know is concerned about Pinguecula and would like to learn more about laser
treatment for Pinguecula, they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at
D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can
help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
D'Ambrosio
Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations
at 479 Old Union Turnpike,
Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts
01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner,
Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and
central Massachusetts area.
