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Pterygium Surgery for Residents of Boerne, San Antonio, and Surrounding Communities
Pterygium surgery is designed to remove a benign growth called a pterygium from the eye. The downside to traditional pterygium surgery is that it allows the pterygium to re-grow in a significant number of cases. It successfully removes the problem but does nothing to prevent the problem from returning. Dr. Carlos Diaz employs a modern technique that reduces recurrence rates from 50 percent to four percent. Helping many patients enjoying unobstructed vision once more, he performs this innovative form of pterygium surgery at Diaz Vision Center in Boerne, 22 miles north of San Antonio.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a wing-shaped growth of the conjunctiva – the white part of the eye – that spreads over the surface of the cornea. In fact, "pterygium" derives from the Greek word "pterygion," which means wing. Although it is a benign (non-cancerous) growth, a pterygium can obscure a person's vision. Mostly found in people from tropical environments, pterygia are believed to be caused, at least in part, by extended exposure to ultraviolet light. Larger pterygia may cause minor discomfort, creating the constant sensation that a foreign body has entered the eye.
Pterygium Surgery
Not all pterygia necessitate immediate removal. If the lesion becomes red and irritated or obscures a patient's vision, however, removal may be recommended. Pterygium surgery at our practice in Boerne, not far from San Antonio, involves a two-fold treatment plan. After Dr. Diaz removes the growth, he applies a tissue graft to the exposed area. The material he uses for the graft is known as AMNIOGRAFT®, cryopreserved human amniotic membrane approved by the FDA for ocular surface wound healing. After surgery, Dr. Diaz prescribes mitomycin C, a topical medication that further reduces the recurrence rate.
Learn More about Pterygium Surgery
Not all treatments for pterygia reduce the chance that the growth will return, but the one that Dr. Diaz offers does so significantly. Individuals who are considering pterygium surgery are encouraged to contact our Boerne practice, serving San Antonio and surrounding communities, to learn more about pterygium treatment with AMNIOGRAFT®.
To learn more about pterygium surgery in the Boerne and San Antonio area, please fill out the following form.
Diaz Vision Center, PA
124 E Bandera Rd, #404
Boerne, TX 78006
Ph. 830-249-8400
Fx. 830-249-8411