Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important, but why? UV light can damage many structures inside the eye, including the macula. We know that light hitting our eye from the side can cause changes on the surface of the eye like pterygium and pinguecula. Pterygium A pterygium (teh-RIJ-ee-um) is an elevated, wedged-shaped growth on the scleral conjunctiva that invades the cornea. Pterygia are benign (non-cancerous) growths. Many people with pterygia do not experience symptoms or need treatment. Some pterygia may become red and swollen on occasion, and some may become large or thick. This may cause concem about appearance or create a feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. Large and advanced pterygia can actually cause distortion of the surface of the cornea and affect vision. Treatment depends on the pterygium's size and the symptoms it causes. If a pterygium is small but becomes inflamed, your optometrist or doctor may prescribe lubricants or possibly a mild steroid eye drop to reduce swelling and redness. In some cases, surgical removal of the pterygium by an eye surgeon is necessary. Next fortnight I'll explain what pinguecula is but in the meanwhile give some thought to whether your sunglasses offer you the best protection. PS: our spring sunglass sale has commenced so now's a good time to consider appropriate protection. Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY 55516 Everyone knows sunglasses with good side protection are important , but why ? UV light can damage many structures inside the eye , including the macula . We know that light hitting our eye from the side can cause changes on the surface of the eye like pterygium and pinguecula . Pterygium A pterygium ( teh - RIJ - ee - um ) is an elevated , wedged - shaped growth on the scleral conjunctiva that invades the cornea . Pterygia are benign ( non - cancerous ) growths . Many people with pterygia do not experience symptoms or need treatment . Some pterygia may become red and swollen on occasion , and some may become large or thick . This may cause concem about appearance or create a feeling of having a foreign body in the eye . Large and advanced pterygia can actually cause distortion of the surface of the cornea and affect vision . Treatment depends on the pterygium's size and the symptoms it causes . If a pterygium is small but becomes inflamed , your optometrist or doctor may prescribe lubricants or possibly a mild steroid eye drop to reduce swelling and redness . In some cases , surgical removal of the pterygium by an eye surgeon is necessary . Next fortnight I'll explain what pinguecula is but in the meanwhile give some thought to whether your sunglasses offer you the best protection . PS : our spring sunglass sale has commenced so now's a good time to consider appropriate protection . Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY 55516