The abnormal growth of thin, transparent tissue in the conjunctiva and sclera is medically defined as pterygium and is commonly known as fleshy eye. This non-cancerous abnormal growth usually develops near the nasal septum and can affect one or both eyes.
The fleshy eyes have different characteristics, some are red, swollen or thick, with the passage of time this normal tissue can extend to the cornea and finally interfere with vision.
The definitive treatment for this condition is surgical, however, there are some home remedies that allow to calm the symptoms. If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle in which we explain why there is a fleshy eye, its symptoms, its operation and the home remedies to alleviate the discomfort it causes.
Table of Contents
Why does a fleshy eye appear: causes
The fleshy eyes or pterygium are an abnormal growth of non-cancerous tissue in a triangular shape that extends from the conjunctiva and sclera to the cornea, generally on the inside that is in contact with the nasal septum, although it can also be seen in the opposite side. It is a benign tissue but uncomfortable enough for the sufferer.
The exact cause of the appearance of fleshy eye is not known, however, it is estimated that different factors influence such as:
- High exposure to ultraviolet solar rays without adequate protection.
- Exposure to some elements found in the environment such as: dirt, wind, dust, air, smoke and environmental dryness.
- Having dry eye syndrome .
- Exposure to industrial chemicals.
- It is rarely seen in children and often develops in men between the ages of 30 and 50.
The fleshy eye then occurs more frequently in people who are exposed to the sun, the wind, any adverse weather conditions or who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The best-known theory related to the development of pterygium is a growth of new connective tissue that overlaps the area that is dry and irritated. This elevation prevents the correct functioning of the tear secretion, making the flesh grow even more in the eye.
The Cuban Journal of Ophthalmology explains that fleshyness in the eye is present worldwide, however, it is more common in hot and dry climates, prevailing in those countries with latitude between 0 ° and 30 °. In Singapore it has a prevalence of 7%, in Melbourne of 6.7%, in the Marshall Islands of 14.5%, in Indonesia of 16.8%, in Barbados of 23.4%. Its prevalence can also vary in different regions of the same country, for example, in the urban population of Brazil its incidence is 1 to 2% and increases by 36.6% in rural areas [1] .
Meatiness in the eye: symptoms
The symptoms of fleshy eye will depend on its size:
- The first thing that will be evident is fleshy, normally, in the inner part of the eye near the nasal septum. It is whitish in color and more or less reddened.
- It is painless, only the presence of meatiness represents discomfort, noticing as if it were grit or even a foreign body.
- Fleshes that are small in size can be asymptomatic.
- As the size of the lump increases, it may appear: tearing, red eye and burning.
- Only in severe cases, vision is affected (astigmatism), which is the product of the coating of this fleshy tissue in larger areas of the cornea.
It is important to know all the characteristics of the flesh in the eyes or pterygium to be able to differentiate it from other minor lesions called pingueculae , which are benign bumps that form in the layer of tissue that covers the eye, they usually have a yellowish color. The pinguecula is like a small ball of fat, but when it grows towards the pupil and invades the cornea, then we speak of pterygium.
Fleshy eyes: treatment and operation
The treatment of pterygium is established according to the size of the meatiness in the eye, generally, if it is small, surgical treatment is not necessary. Let’s see below what the treatment can cover:
Drops for fleshy eyes
Steroid eye drops may be recommended to decrease inflammation and eye drops to lubricate and hydrate the eyes and lessen discomfort. These products are prescribed when the meatiness is in the initial phase and is not large.
Pterygium surgery
If the meatiness in the eye is more extensive, the doctor usually indicates the surgical intervention that is based on placing a conjunctival graft in this area of the eyeball that remains after removing the meatiness. In this procedure, biological glues are often used in order to avoid the use of sutures.
The operation of the fleshy eyes is ambulatory and completely painless, it is carried out under local anesthesia.
How to prevent pterygium
The best way to prevent fleshy eyes is to avoid all the risk factors described above:
- Usar gafas de sol para evitar el contacto directo de los rayos ultravioletas con los ojos.
- Humedecer los ojos constantemente mediante el parpadeo.
- Utilizar sombreros y gorras para evitar la exposición directa a los rayos ultravioletas.
- Curar correctamente cualquier inflamación conjuntival.
Carnosidad en los ojos: remedios caseros para aliviar los síntomas
Hay algunos remedios caseros para la carnosidad en los ojos que pueden ser utilizados para calmar los síntomas y mejorar la salud ocular:
- Arándanos: gracias a su contenido en antioxidantes, la administración de suplementos de arándanos permite mejorar la visión y mantener siempre los ojos limpios. Ayuda además a evitar la degeneración de la conjuntiva.
- Pepino: el pepino es utilizado como un colirio natural, se recomienda colocar un par de rodajas recién cortadas en los ojos para lograr relajarlos, humedecerlos y calmar el enrojecimiento.
- Vid roja: la aplicación de agua de sarmiento permite calmar la inflamación, el ardor y el dolor que se presenta tras la presencia de un pterigión de mayor tamaño o extensión. Se recomienda utilizar una gota en el ojo afectado recién salida de la planta y aplicada directa e inmediatamente como colirio.
- Manzanilla: la infusión de flores de manzanilla permite mantener húmeda el área de la conjuntiva, se debe aplicar con una gasa limpia sobre los ojos.
- Aplicación de compresas de agua tibia: para estimular la producción de lágrimas naturales puedes humedecer una gasa limpia con agua tibia y colocarla directamente sobre los ojos dejándola actuar durante unos minutos hasta que se seque.
Muchos son los factores relacionados con la presencia de carnosidad en los ojos, sin embargo, todos ellos son modificables siendo esta la mejor manera para prevenir el pterigión. La mejor forma para eliminarlo por completo es mediante la cirugía, no obstante, el uso los remedios naturales permite calmar algunos síntomas. Ante cualquier duda en relación a este tema, acude al oftalmólogo.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.