Pterygium management

Wang Vision Cataract and LASIK Center, Nashville, Tennessee

To read Pterygium Removal Surgery testimony of Laura Cozztarto, click here...

Dr. Wang introduced a new sutureless pterygium removal procedure and performed the first such surgery in the state. Dr. Wang's new procedure is essentially painless, the chance of pterygium recurrence after surgery has been signficantly reduced and the patient typically returns to work on the very next day. Since Dr. Wang specializes in the treatment of pterygium, he has helped patients from over 20 states in the US and dozen countries worldwide.

• Click here to read frequently asked questions about Pterygium

In the pterygium surgery field, Dr. Wang has been at the forefront of reseach and development of new surgical techniques, he

• Published the first paper in the scientific literature with Dr. Tseng about their successful laboratory demonstration of reduction of corneal scar and keratocyte apoptosis with amniotic membrane transplantation;
• Obtained a US patent and made the world's first amniotic membrane contact lens;
• Wrote a chapter in "Ophthalmology " textbook about pterygium surgery;
• Edited a book "Corneal dystrophy and degeneration" (published by American Academy of Ophthalmology) which describes the natural history of pterygium;
• Introduced the new sutureless pterygium procedure to the state, which involves removing pterygium followed by amniotic membrane transplantation with a biological glue.

A pterygium is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva. Patients suffering from this problem often report irritation, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and foreign body sensation. In early stages, tears and supportive therapy are typically prescribed. It is most commonly caused by sun exposure, so protecting the eyes from sun, dust and wind is recommended. Instilling artificial tears liberally is also helpful. In some cases, steroid drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation.

If the pterygium does grow over the cornea, vision may be affected and surgical removal is necessary. Surgery tends to be complicated by recurrence of the lesions, and it is not uncommon for patients to need repeated surgeries to correct the problem. Simple removal of the lesions may result in recurrence in as many as 50% of patients.

In an effort to reduce the surgical risk, decrease inflammation and pain post-operatively, and decrease the risk of recurrence, Dr. Wang performs pterygium surgery using an amniotic membrane secured by glue rather than stitches. The amniotic membrane helps the wound to heal correctly, reducing the chance of the pterygium growing back.

If you're interested in finding out more about pterygium surgery, choose experience and technology. Choose Wang Vision Institute of Nashville, Tennessee. Call or email us today.