Pterygium Recovery

[dnew85]

I had pterygium removed 12/16/08 with AMT.  My understanding was that there would be full recovery within one month.  It has been five weeks and the host conjunctiva tissue around the graft is still irritated and inflamed.  Is this normal?  Will it regress?  Timeline?  Thanks.

[Chris12196]

I had Pterygium removed and it was red and vainy for about a year. It now cleared up and looks almost perfect. Every one heals differently. Get regular check ups with eye doctor.

[sarah989]

I had a pterygium removed from right eye 8 days ago as it was near visual field and I was told it was a good time to have it removed.  All was going well 3 days post surgery and then eye pain got worse and extreme nueralgia began in forehead/scalp nose on right side and eyelid became very inflamed.. The drops (a steriod and an anti-biotic) burned for much longer too than the first 3 days?.  Returned to Dr. at day 5 and he suspected possible herpes zoster/shingles of the cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). He also said the cornea wasn't healing as much as it should have which I believe made him suspect shingles even more?   Have you heard of this reaction?  I waited another 3 days with same symptoms but no rash, day 8, and started the shingles medicine 'Fanvir'.    I am into more natural methods for healing but did not want to take chances with eye but admit even a couple hours after the first pill symptoms are less.  Do you have any recommendations, warnings or ideas of what these symptoms could mean if not herpes zoster? (I have had chicken pox)  sarah989  

[dnew85]

My surgeon is planning on injecting either kenalog or decadron?  at my next visit.  Thanks

[dnew85]

Thank you.  Will the inflammation subside and stay gone?  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Every case is different.  This is in the range of normal.  Steroid drops can help control the control the post operative inflammation.

Dr. O.