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Pterygium Removal Naturally - Eye Drops, Cure without Surgery

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Shivani Arora, last updated on 2 March 2023| min read
Pterygium Removal Naturally - Eye Drops, Cure without Surgery

Quick Summary

  • Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the eye's surface
  • It can cause discomfort and affect vision
  • Conventional treatments like surgical removal may be effective, but they can also be costly and have potential risks
  • There are several natural remedies that can help with pterygium removal naturally
  • These include dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications

Pterygium, a non-cancerous growth on the eye's surface, can cause discomfort and affect vision. While conventional treatments like surgical removal may be effective, they can also be costly and have potential risks. For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are several remedies that can help with pterygium removal naturally. These natural remedies include dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.

In this article, we will discuss these natural remedies for pterygium removal in detail. Whether you are looking for pterygium treatment without surgery or want to complement your ongoing treatment, these remedies may help to relieve your symptoms and promote overall eye health. So, let's dive in and learn about the natural ways to treat pterygium.

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium, or Surfer’s Eye, is a medical eye condition which generally occurs in the ocular surface lesion. It is an elevated and wedge-shaped growth that progresses from the lining of the eyelid onto the cornea and then ultimately grows over the iris and pupil in the end. 

  1. It is often characterized by a pinkish, fleshy growth on the eye, and it may cause irritation, redness, tearing, and a feeling of a foreign body in the eye. 
  2. It is more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in sunny and windy conditions. 
  3. Although the growth is benign and the condition is not generally serious, it can permanently cause eye disfigurement, reduce eyesight significantly and even cause blindness ultimately if it grows over the cornea. 

Pterygium is generally of two types. It has been classified into:

  1. Progressive Pterygium: It is fleshy, thick and vascular in nature. It progresses towards the centre of the cornea as a form of encroachment.
  2. Atrophic Pterygium: In this type of Pterygium, lesion growth is thin, lessened, has poor vascularity and is stationary in nature.

Pterygium can also be classified into four grades:

  1. Grade 1: The cases which have a normal operative site. 
  2. Grade 2: There is the presence of fine episcleral vessels without any type of fibrous tissue. 
  3. Grade 3: Growth of fibrous tissue is seen in this grade, and that does not invade the cornea. 
  4. Grade 4: This is considered true recurrent pterygia, which has fibrovascular tissue invading the corneal space.
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Treatment of Pterygium without Surgery

Although surgery is the only treatment that can be performed to cure the condition. However, pterygium treatment without surgery is also another effective solution that can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. You need to follow them religiously and consult your doctor (an ophthalmologist) to treat this condition. The common ways to treat pterygium without surgery are 

  1. Home Remedies
  2. Ayurvedic Remedies
  3. Allopathic Remedies

Home Remedies for Pterygium Removal

Trying out home remedies is the safest option, and it is also effective for pterygium eye treatment. But this treatment is only recommended for mild cases after consulting a doctor.

  1. Aloe vera: The gel from the aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and swelling caused by pterygium. Simply apply the gel directly to the affected area.
  2. Green tea: Green tea contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the size of pterygium. Steep a green tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then let it cool before placing it on the affected eye for several minutes.
  3. Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties that may help relieve symptoms of pterygium. Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then let it cool before placing it on the affected eye for several minutes.
  4. Castor oil: Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of pterygium. Apply a drop of castor oil to the affected eye twice a day for a few weeks.
  5. Honey: Honey has been used for a variety of health problems including eye issues. Putting one drop of pure honey in both eyes at bedtime can help in preventing pterygium from worsening.
  6. Rose water: For pain relief due to eye strain, keep a cotton swab that has been soaked in rose water over the eyes for 10 – 15 minutes daily. You can also put rosewater in the eyes to bring down the heat in the eyes.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Pterygium Removal

In Ayurveda, pterygium is described as ‘Arma’ and is treated as per the ‘dosha’ dominance. It is one of the widely accepted pterygium treatments without surgery. Depending upon the conditions, the approximate duration for pterygium treatment is 6 months to 1 year. There are treatments as per the Ayurvedic texts, include

  1. When the ‘Arma’ is small in size: The colour is curdish white or mixed blue and red in appearance. The consistency is quite thin. For this, the indicated treatment is done with Lekhadha Anjana for its scarifying action. Harad, Baheda, Amla, Haridra, Daruharidra, Madhuyashti, Ilaichi, Lahshuna, etc. are used to restore the eye's health.
  2. Triphala: A combination of three fruits - amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki, triphala has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent pterygium growth.
  3. Tulsi: Tulsi or holy basil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help treat pterygium. Consuming tulsi leaves or drinking tulsi tea can relieve the symptoms associated with pterygium.
  4. Neem: Neem is a tree that is native to India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent pterygium growth. Neem oil or neem leaves can be applied to the affected area for relief from the symptoms of pterygium.

Allopathic Remedies for Pterygium Removal

Allopathic remedies offer several effective pterygium removal without surgery. These treatments range from eye drops to anti-inflammatory medications, depending on the severity of the condition. Allopathic remedies can relieve symptoms and help prevent the growth and recurrence of pterygium.

Eye Drops and Ointments

  1. Over-the-counter pterygium treatment eye drops that contain lubricating or anti-inflammatory agents, such as artificial tears or omega-3 fatty acids or steroids may help relieve dryness, redness, swelling and discomfort associated with pterygium. 
  2. You can also use pharmaceutical-grade vitamin A eye drops for treating or preventing these diseases. 

Topical Steroids

  1. The anti-inflammatory properties of steroids can help reduce the size of the growth and alleviate symptoms such as redness, itching, and discomfort. 
  2. The treatment involves applying steroid drops or ointment directly to the affected area, and the dosage and duration of the treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. 
  3. Your doctor can prescribe the use of topical 0.1% Dexamethasone or Dipyridamole. Some patients can also be prescribed with Loteprednol etabonate. 

Anti-inflammatory Medications

  1. Topical fluorometholone is safe and effective for primary pterygium cases. Other anti-inflammatory medications include 0.1% pranoprofen and cyclosporine.
  2. It is advisable to each patient that no medications should be used on their own. You should consult an ophthalmologist before taking any of these medications.

Lifestyle Changes

To remove the pterygium, you need to make some changes in your lifestyle as well. This will hinder the growth of pterygium if it is mild. In case it has been removed, it will stop it from recurring. Some of the ways of pterygium removal, naturally:

  1. Avoid going outside in dusty and windy climates. 
  2. Keep your eyes covered with the help of sunglasses. 
  3. Avoid working in harsh and hot temperatures. 
  4. Reduce screen time by watching television or using a laptop/smartphone in moderation.
  5. Frequently splash cold water in your eyes.
  6. Eat a diet rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. It plays a vital role in epithelial tissue growth and maintenance. 

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you have been treating a pterygium with natural remedies and have not seen any improvement or if the pterygium worsens, it is important to consult a doctor. Additionally, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any:

  1. Discomfort
  2. Pain
  3. Redness
  4. Vision problems

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition or infection that requires medical treatment. Your doctor can evaluate the condition of your pterygium and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific needs.

Takeaway

In conclusion, pterygium is a common eye condition that can be effectively treated without surgery using natural remedies. These remedies include proper eye care, lifestyle changes, and Ayurvedic medicines. It is important to note that while these remedies may work for some people, others may require medical intervention.

It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or ophthalmologist if the condition persists or worsens despite trying these natural remedies. With proper care and treatment, one can manage the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of pterygium, leading to better eye health and overall well-being.

If you or your loved one has pterygium and is looking for non-surgical treatment methods or are opting for surgery and need assistance with choosing the right hospital, or want a second opinion on the same then contact the experts at HexaHealth. They will guide you through the process and help you find the answers you seek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pterygium removal can be done naturally by following ways:

  1. Avoiding windy or dusty climates. 
  2. Avoid working in places with hot and high temperatures. 
  3. Reduce TV viewing and computer working time. 
  4. Splashing the eyes with cold water frequently.
  5. Using steroid eye drops for reducing inflammation in the eyes.
Yes, pterygium drops are effective and applying the steroid eye drops to the affected eye for some weeks or a few months could reduce the chances of recurring growth or reappearance of pterygium. You need to use them as per the prescription provided by the eye specialist. 
Without surgical removal, we can dissolve the pterygium by lubricating it with artificial tears which contain steroids, and it reduces the inflammation in the eyes. Other than that, surgical methods can be used.

Pterygium can be treated without surgery by:

  1. Using eye ointment or lubricating drops: helps in moistening the eyes.
  2. Using prescribed steroid eye drops: clears up redness and irritation. It helps in decreasing pain and swelling.

Yes, eye drops can help in removing pterygium. To remove the blockage and the blurring, you can take steroid eye drops or you could also use a steroid-based ointment. However, if you want your eye to heal, you can use vitamin A-based eye drops. It will help in the growth of epithelial tissue in the eyes and this will effectively help in the removal of pterygium.

Vitamins A, C and D have antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities, respectively. These are extremely good for the removal of pterygium and the aftercare that is needed in such cases. 

You can stop a pterygium from growing by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to avoid UV-A and UV-B rays from penetrating your eyes. You need to also wash your eyes regularly. 

Apart from the steroid eye drops (for reducing inflammation) and Vitamin A drops (for eye nourishment), you can use Mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil after consulting the doctor.

Full recovery from pterygium takes several weeks to a month. But you should regularly use antibiotics and steroid drops to avoid its recurrence. It is generally not a permanent condition, hence with proper medication and care it gets cured easily.

A pterygium growth affects and may impact your vision, which might require surgery at an advanced stage. If not taken care of, it might also cause a recurrence. Hence, you should treat it in the early stage itself.

Pterygium is benign and not a malignant tumour. Therefore, it does not cause any invasion in the eyes, sinuses or brain or metastasise to other parts of the body. You should not worry to that extent. Appropriate treatment and care will help the condition get better.

Last Updated on: 2 March 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Shivani Arora

Shivani Arora

BA Journalism and Mass Communication

2 Years Experience

She is an accomplished new-age professional who has interviewed prominent personalities such as Bhaichung Bhutia, G. Sathiyan, Shashi Tharoor, etc. A content writer interested in health communication, graphic desi...View More

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