Pterygium: etiology and pathogenesis (literature review)

Pterygium is an ocular disease characterized by conjunctival and corneal degeneration and growth of fibrovascular tissue on the surface of the cornea. Some authors believe that the main factors triggering the development of this disease are ultraviolet radiation, changes in the tear film, imbalance of cytokines, growth factors, immunological mechanisms, genetic mutations, and viral diseases. Currently available classifications are based on the evaluation of the amount of fibrovascular tissue covering the cornea, its tendency to progression, and its histological characteristics. At onset, the disease is usually asymptomatic. However, its further spread to the optical area reduces visual acuity and requires surgical treatment.