Pterygium Medication

Updated: Jul 15, 2019
  • Author: Jerome P Fisher, MD, FACS; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy, Sr, MD  more...
  • Print
Medication

Medication Summary

Medical treatment of pterygium consists of over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears/topical lubricating drops (eg, Refresh Tears, GenTeal drops) and/or bland, nonpreserved ointments (eg, Refresh P.M., Hypo Tears), as well as occasional short-term use of topical corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drops (eg, Pred Forte 1%) when symptoms are more intense. In addition, the use of ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses is advisable to reduce the exposure to further ultraviolet radiation.

Next:

Artificial tears (topical lubricating drops)

Class Summary

To lubricate the ocular surface and to fill in defects in the tear film.

Artificial tears (Refresh Tears, GenTeal [OTC])

Artificial tears provide topical ocular surface lubrication in patients with irregular corneal surfaces and irregular tear films. These conditions are very common in the setting of pterygium.

Previous
Next:

Topical lubricating ointments

Class Summary

A more viscous lubricant of the ocular surface.

Artificial tears (Hypo Tears, Refresh P.M. [OTC])

A relatively more viscous lubricant for the ocular surface. These thicker preparations tend to blur the vision temporarily; therefore, they are generally used at night, except in patients with severe discomfort.

Previous
Next:

Anti-inflammatory drops

Class Summary

To reduce inflammation on the ocular surface and other ocular tissues. Corticosteroids can be helpful in the management of inflamed pterygia by reducing the swelling of the inflamed tissues of the ocular surface adjacent to the lesions.

Prednisolone ophthalmic (Pred Forte 1%)

A topical corticosteroid suspension used to reduce inflammation in the eye. Use should be limited to eyes with significant inflammation not relieved by topical lubricants.

Previous