From setting sail on sapphire seas aboard a boat, ferry or yacht to sweeping around sheltered bays balanced on a paddleboard, basking by backyard pools to beating the heat bunkered down in the shade of a beach umbrella, the iconic Aussie summer is brimming with endless opportunities to spend long, sunny days by the water.
However, many people aren’t aware how much more intensely UV rays are reflected off water, as well as sand, increasing the risk of radiation damage not just to their skin but also exposed eyes.
According to the Bureau of Meterology, the simple act of just sitting on the beach will see you exposed to an extra 20% of UV reflected from the dry sand. Out on the ocean, you’re looking at an extra 10% reflected from the water and, if you’re on a boat, another 10% reflected off the vessel.
While we often focus on wearing life jackets and sunscreen, it's also crucial not to overlook the wellbeing of our eyes, particularly in relation to conditions like pterygia and pingueculae.
Understanding pterygia and pingueculae
Pterygia and pingueculae are common eye conditions that can be exacerbated by exposure to sun, wind and other environmental elements often encountered on or near the water.
Pterygia are non-cancerous growths on the clear, thin tissue (conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye. They can cause irritation, redness and a feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays is a significant risk factor for pterygia development.
Different to pterygia in appearance, pingueculae are yellowish, raised bumps that form on the conjunctiva near the cornea. Their development is also linked to excessive sun exposure.
Common symptoms of pterygia and pingueculae
Pterygia and pingueculae share some common symptoms and they can often coexist. These include:
- Visible eye growth - both pterygia and pingueculae are characterised by the presence of a visible growth on the conjunctiva. This growth may appear raised and can vary in size and shape
- Eye irritation - both conditions often cause sufferers to have irritation or a gritty sensation in the affected eye. This discomfort may range from mild to moderate
- Redness – inflammation caused by the presence of pterygia or pingueculae can make the eyes appear persistently red
- Dryness - both conditions can contribute to dry eyes, leading to a feeling of burning or itching
- Light sensitivity – photophobia is a common symptom, especially when the growths cause irritation and inflammation
- Increased tearing - while dry eyes are a symptom, paradoxically, some people may also experience more tear production as the eyes attempt to compensate for the irritation
It's important to note symptoms can vary in severity and may not affect everyone with pterygia or pingueculae.
If you notice any persistent eye symptoms or changes in your vision, it's crucial to visit your optometrist as a matter of urgency for a comprehensive eye examination.
Early detection and management of pterygia and pingueculae can help prevent complications.
Prevention
While some risk factors for developing pterygia and pingueculae, such as genetic predisposition and age, are beyond our control, there are several preventive measures that individuals can take to minimise the risk of developing these eye conditions.
- Invest in sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful radiation and consider polarised lenses to reduce glare, especially when surrounded by water
- Complement a pair of stylish sunnies by popping on a wide brimmed hat to further protect your eyes from both direct and secondary sun exposure
- If you're spending an extended period on the water, take regular breaks in shaded areas to give your eyes a rest from intense sunlight
- Keep your eyes moist by using lubricating eye drops, particularly in dry and windy conditions
- Just remember, taking a trip to see your optometrist every two years for a comprehensive eye examination is the best way to monitor the health of your eyes and for any changes to be detected in their early stages
Treatment
Treatment for pterygia and pingueculae varies based on the severity of the condition and the associated symptoms. In many cases, conservative measures are employed to alleviate symptoms and surgical intervention may only be considered if the growth becomes problematic.
- Lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dryness and irritation associated with pterygia and pingueculae. These drops can be used regularly to keep the eyes moist
- In cases of inflammation or discomfort, short-term use of mild topical steroids may be prescribed
- Prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms
Surgical removal of a pterygium may be considered if it causes significant discomfort, affects vision or if conservative measures are not effective. Surgical removal of a pinguecula is less common than pterygium removal but also may be considered in certain cases.
What can happen if pterygia and pingueculae conditions go untreated?
Pterygia and pingueculae are eye conditions that, if left untreated or unmanaged, can lead to various complications. It's crucial to be aware of these potential issues to prevent the progression of these conditions.
- Both conditions are often visible to your friends and family, as pterygia and pingueculae are on the eye's surface, affecting the eye’s appearance. This can lead to cosmetic concerns and may impact an individual's self-esteem
- As pterygia grow, they can encroach upon the cornea, leading to visual disturbances such as astigmatism or distorted vision
- The growth of pterygia over the cornea may increase the risk of corneal abrasions. These scratches on the cornea's surface can cause pain, light sensitivity and may lead to eye infections if not properly treated
- For those people with astigmatism, pterygia can further alter the shape of the cornea, inducing changes in the condition and impacting the clarity of vision. This may require modifications to prescriptive lenses
- Contact lens wearers with pterygia or pingueculae may experience increased discomfort, reduced tolerance to lenses and a higher risk of complications, such as infections or corneal ulcers
- In some cases, pingueculae can become inflamed, a condition known as pingueculitis. This can cause redness, swelling and discomfort
If you are experiencing changes to your vision or are concerned about your eyesight, you can use our Find an Optometrist search tool to schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today.
