Regular eye examinations are the key to early detection of retinal changes and other signs of disease. If you notice any change in the quality of your vision, have your eyes examined immediately. Regular examinations are particularly important for people over the age of 50 years and people whose families have a history of eye problems. Pterygia often occur in both eyes, usually on the side of the eye closer to the nose. A pterygium is not a cancer.
People sometimes confuse pterygia with cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye and cannot be seen easily with the naked eye. The exact causes of pterygia are not known, but they are strongly associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation and hot, dry environments. Pterygia are more common in the Northern parts of Australia and among people such as farmers and surfers who spend a lot of time outdoors, but anyone can develop a pterygium. Pterygia are not dangerous, although they can look ugly and cause some discomfort. The main problem with pterygia is that as they grow on the cornea they distort it, interfering with vision.