Cataract or Pterygium? Understanding the Difference

Eye Health | Nagle & Associates Optometrists
When you notice something unusual about your eyes, it’s natural to wonder what it could be.
Perhaps you’ve spotted a small fleshy growth near the coloured part of your eye. Or maybe your vision has become cloudy, your glasses don’t seem as effective as they used to, or you’re experiencing more glare at night.
While these symptoms can sometimes be linked to different eye conditions, a pterygium and a cataract are not the same thing.
Let’s take a closer look.

A Growth on the Eye? It Could Be a Pterygium
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue that develops on the surface of the eye. It usually starts on the white part of the eye and can gradually extend towards the cornea — the clear window at the front of your eye.
Pterygia are commonly associated with long-term exposure to sunlight, UV radiation, wind, dust and dry environments.
You might notice:
A pink, red or fleshy area on the white of the eye
Irritation or dryness
A gritty sensation
Redness
Changes in the shape of the cornea
Blurred or distorted vision if the pterygium becomes more advanced
Not every pterygium needs to be removed. Treatment depends on its size, location, symptoms and whether it is affecting your vision.

Don’t wait for a growth to become severe before having it assessed. An eye examination can help determine whether it is stable or requires further attention.

Is It a Pinguecula?
You may also have heard of a pinguecula.
A pinguecula is usually a small, yellowish or raised patch on the white part of the eye. The important distinction is that it doesn’t grow onto the cornea in the same way a pterygium can.
Pingueculae are generally harmless, although they can sometimes become irritated or inflamed.
Protecting your eyes from UV exposure with quality sunglasses and a hat can help reduce ongoing environmental exposure.

Cataracts Are Something Completely Different
Unlike a pterygium, a cataract isn’t a growth on the surface of your eye.
A cataract develops inside the eye, affecting your natural lens.
As we age, the normally clear lens can gradually become cloudy. This can make it harder for light to pass through the eye properly and may result in changes to the quality of your vision.
Cataracts can cause symptoms such as:
Cloudy or blurry vision
Increased glare from lights
Difficulty seeing at night
Faded or less vibrant colours
Halos around lights

More frequent changes to your spectacle prescription
Because cataracts generally develop slowly, you may not realise how much your vision has changed until it begins to interfere with everyday activities.
So, What’s the Difference?

Here’s a simple way to remember it:
Pterygium: A tissue growth on the surface of the eye.
Pinguecula: A small raised or yellowish area on the white of the eye that doesn’t extend onto the cornea.
Cataract: Clouding of the natural lens inside the eye.
Although these conditions are very different, they can all be identified during an eye examination.

What Happens If You Have a Cataract?
A cataract doesn’t necessarily mean that you need surgery immediately.
In the early stages, your optometrist may be able to help you manage changes in your vision with an updated spectacle prescription or other practical recommendations.
If the cataract progresses to the point where it significantly affects your daily life, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist to discuss cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Your optometrist plays an important role before and after this process by monitoring your eye health and vision and helping you achieve the best possible visual outcome.

Your Eyes Deserve More Than a Quick Check
A change in the appearance of your eye or a gradual change in your vision shouldn’t simply be ignored.
Whether you’re concerned about a growth on the surface of your eye, increasing glare when driving at night, or simply feel that your vision isn’t what it used to be, an eye examination can provide answers.
At Nagle & Associates Optometrists, we take the time to assess both your vision and your eye health. We can identify changes that may require monitoring, treatment or referral to an eye-care specialist.

Looking After Your Eyes Starts With Knowing What’s Normal
Regular eye examinations aren’t only about checking whether you need stronger glasses.
They give us an opportunity to look at the health of your eyes and detect changes that you may not be able to see or feel yourself.

If something about your eyes has changed, don’t ignore it. Book an eye examination and let us take a closer look.
Nagle & Associates Optometrists
Lynnwood Glen | Pretoria
012 348 2436

www.nagleandassociates.co.za
This article provides general eye-health information and is not a substitute for an individual eye examination or medical advice.