J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1966 Dec;7(2):109-111.

Etiology of the pterygium

• Kim SY

Abstract

The author suppose the etiology of the pterygium as combination of following various factors. 1) Irritation of the sun light, wind and dust. 2) Pterygium is frequently encroachment of a pinguecula onto the cornea. 3) Continuous movement of the eye may influence upon the formation of the pterygium. 4) Constiant rubbing of the semilunar fold against bulbar conjunctiva of the internal palpebral fissure. 5) Conjunctival fold due to resistance of the caruncle in ocular movement cause the pressure to the medial limbus. This fact may largely influence upon the formation of the pterygium. 6) Frequent mechanical irritation to the internal palpebal fissure in washing one's face and other daily works. 7) Accumulation of the tear film and dusts on the inner canthal region constantly irritate bulbar conjunctiva. 8) Subconjunctival connective tissue and subconjunctival hypertrophied tissue (a kind of subconjunctival pathologic connective tissue) near the caruncle play great role of the formation and recurrent of the pterygium. This hypothesis based on the fact that extensive and large amount of removal of the subconjunctival pathologic connective tissue according to the author's new operation method revealed complete prevention of the recurrence of pterygium. 9) Incidence of the pterygium on the medial side is over 98% in spite of same condition of the lateral and medial conjunctiva. The author suppose this fact is due to above prescripted various factors.

MeSH Terms

Conjunctiva
Connective Tissue
Cornea
Dust
Incidence
Pinguecula
Pterygium*
Recurrence
Solar System
Tears
Wind
Dust