The condition can obscure a person's vision by growing over the pupil or causing a change in focus of the eye.
Doctors in the UAE are urging people to take precautions when spending time outside, especially during sandstorms, warning that harsh sunlight, sand and dust have caused a rise in eye infections and diseases.
"During the summer months, there is more UV light exposure and although the sand and dust is pretty much all year round in the UAE, the heat causes irritation and inflammation on the ocular surface," Dr Brian Armstrong, an ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
He pointed out that when heat, sunlight sand and dust come together, they drive the formation of the scar tissue - pterygia - on the surface of the eye and create a condition where they will either stark or worsen over the summer months.
"We don't know the prevalence of the disease in the UAE, but we do know that everyone in the UAE has a higher exposure to UV light and higher exposure to dust, debris and heat."
He said the eye condition is characterised by an abnormal growth of the mucous membrane (tissue) over the front of the eyeball, which causes irritation, redness and tearing.
Left untreated, the condition can obscure a person's vision by growing over the pupil or causing a change in focus of the eye.
Globally, pterygia is estimated to affect around one in 10 people, and the condition is particularly prevalent in the Middle East.
Dr Armstrong said when the pterygium is on the outside the cornea, people do not notice it. However, as it begins to grow, it can cover the lines of site and affect vision.
"I have seen people with dramatic reduction of vision because of pterygia. We want to catch the pterygium before that happens," he added.
Dr Armstrong stressed that the hospital has at least one pterygium surgery a week, as well as one new patient diagnosed with the condition each week. "I don't think a week goes by where I don't see at least one new patient newly diagnosing them with pterygium."
Wear UV sunglasses
He said it is thus crucial for people to wear UV protecting sunglasses.
"Many people buy sunglasses without UVA and UVB protection. They need to wear it whenever they are exposed to the sun, as well as treat the inflammation and irritation."
He urges people to look out for common warning signs of pterygia, which include dry eye symptoms, irritation and burning.
"Some people can see whitening where it should be dark because the white part of the eye starts to grow over the dark part in the centre and obscure the iris and cornea."
He said most cases can be managed by prescribing artificial tears to lubricate the surface of the eye. Once diagnosed, patients are advised to have a check-up every six to 12 months to monitor for progression of the condition. "Pterygia can be very uncomfortable and, as it progresses, can threaten eyesight."
Dr Scott Smith, chairman, Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the Eye Institute receives around 35,000 patients in a year. Half of the patients encounter problems with their eyes, due to dust and heat.
"One-quarter to one-third of all our patients, come with some complaint of an eye problem related to the environment,".
"Roughly half of the patients have dry eye symptoms and irritations related to these environmental factors," he added.
Dr Smith said the effects on the eye from the environment, can create a risk of irritation on the surface of the eye and eventually form the clouding of the cornea.
"This is something we see commonly in people in this area." He urged people to wear UV sunglasses when outdoors. "The very bright sun can also affect the eye, causing a risk in cataracts or increasing the risk of retinal problems," he warned.
SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES