PTERYGIUM Meaning and
Definition
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A pterygium is a medical condition that refers to an abnormal growth of tissue on the surface of the eye. It is essentially a fleshy, triangular-shaped growth that usually starts from the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye. This benign overgrowth of tissue may extend onto the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye.
Pterygium is typically caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which may lead to inflammation and the abnormal growth of tissue. Individuals who spend prolonged periods of time in sunny or windy environments, such as farmers or outdoor workers, are particularly susceptible to developing this condition.
Common symptoms of pterygium include redness, burning, itching, and irritation or a foreign body sensation in the affected eye. In some cases, it may even cause blurry vision or distortion.
Treatment options for pterygium vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with lubricating drops or ointments to alleviate discomfort. However, if the growth significantly affects vision or causes persistent discomfort, surgical removal may be necessary. In such cases, the pterygium is excised, and a graft may be used to replace the removed tissue.
Regular eye protection with sunglasses that offer UV protection and the use of artificial tears or lubricating drops can help prevent pterygium from developing or worsening.
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1. A triangular patch of hypertrophied bulbar conjuctiva and subconjuctival tissue, extending usually from the inner canthus to the border of the cornea or beyond, with apex pointing toward the pupil. 2. A forward growth of the eponychium with adherence to the surface of the nail.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In med., a disease of the mucous membrane of the eye, consisting of a thickening of the parts between the external angle and the cornea; a disease in which the epidermis of the margin of the nail-folliele remains attached to the surface of the nail, and advances with its growth till the nail is more or less completely covered.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGIUM
- oterygium
- lterygium
- -terygium
- 0terygium
- prerygium
- pferygium
- pgerygium
- pyerygium
- p6erygium
- p5erygium
- ptwrygium
- ptsrygium
- ptdrygium
- ptrrygium
- pt4rygium
- pt3rygium
- pteeygium
- ptedygium
- ptefygium
- ptetygium
Etymology of PTERYGIUM
The word "pterygium" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "pterygion" (πτέρυγιον), which means "little wing" or "winglet". This is a combination of the noun "pteryx" (πτέρυξ), meaning "wing" or "feather", and the diminutive suffix "-ion". The term "pterygium" is used in the medical context to refer to an abnormal growth of tissue on the conjunctiva of the eye that may extend onto the cornea.
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