theMillwatermag
What Is Pterygium? 100% of UV rays reflecting off the surface of ground and water. There are surgical options available to get rid of a Pterygium, but this is usually only recommended if there is a sign of rapid change in vision due to its growth or if it is causing ongoing discomfort, and/or if it has grown close to the centre of the cornea.
A Pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva, which is primarily caused by ultraviolet-light exposure; sometimes associated with low humidity, windy and dusty conditions. A Pterygium itself is harmless but, when this is starting to grow over the cornea, it can create an astigmatism (irregular focus in vision) and discomfort from dry or itchy eyes and foreign body sensation with lids catching the Pterygium during blinking. It can also leave a permanent redness appearance on the conjunctiva.
If you have chronic red eye problems, or if you already have a white or yellow lesion growing over the conjunctiva, it is a good time to have an eye examination. If you would like any further information on this subject, or any other eye related issues, please call 09 426 7902 to make an appointment with local Optometrists James or Zaria, at OPSM in the Silverdale Centre (Near Countdown). By James Park BOptom (TPA Endorsement)
They usually grow slowly over time, but sometimes they can grow rapidly and, in that case, they can invade the cornea and lead to permanent vision loss by obscuring the optical centre of the cornea (e.g. by covering light going through the pupil). To reduce the risk of developing a Pterygium or to slow down the existing Pterygium, wearing protective sunglasses and/ or a hat is very important and regular use of artificial tears is useful. Polarised lenses in particular are useful, as they blocks
OPSM SILVERDALE OFFERS FREE EYE TESTS TO ALL SOUTHERN CROSS HEALTH SOCIETY MEMBERS^ Southern Cross Health Society members can also save 15%* on a wide range of quality prescription glasses, non-prescription and prescription sunglasses. OPSM Silverdale Silverdale Centre Shop 11B 61 Silverdale St Silverdale, AUK 0932 Tel: (09) 426 7902
opsm.co.nz ^ Offer is applicable on a Standard Eye Test at OPSM plus a digital retinal scan. Available for Southern Cross Health Society members only (excludes travel insurance policy holders). Please present your Southern Cross membership number or card to redeem offer. Subject to appointment availability. Excludes contact lens examinations. Offer only available once per eligible member every two years. Offer is not transferrable to another person. *Excludes eye tests and contact lens consultations and designer brand frames and sunglasses by Chanel and Maui Jim products. Health fund discounts are not available in conjunction with any other offer, discount or benefit other than the Southern Cross Health Society Easy-Claim. OPSM9185 0215 210x140
OPSM9185 0215 282215 OPSM Southern Cross LSM 210x140.indd 1
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