Pterygia and limbal epithelial cells: Relationship and molecular mechanisms

The science of pterygia

“…Contrasting histopathologic and clinical findings between primary and recurrent pterygia are well described, suggesting that further differences in mediators driving their growth may be present 93. Further research will continue to elucidate these differences and provide insight into these clinical entities.…”

“…UV exposure leads to oxidative stress which causes genetic damage and stimulates inflammatory pathways, leading to a hyperproliferative state 1. A focal alteration of limbal stem cells in pterygia is also a well-established concept and is key to understanding pterygia pathogenesis 93. This focal alteration and the predominant interpalpebral location have been attributed to the focussing of reflected solar radiation (albedo) on the corneal limbus 94.…”

Severity and Determinants of Pinguecula in a Hospital-Based Population

“…We modified the grading system reported by Reid and Dushku 6 and Dushku and Reid. 7 Pinguecula was graded into three categories as follows: grade P (0) = none, grade P (1) = mild or moderate pinguecula (yellowish white and flat or slightly elevated lesion with a maximum diameter of ,5 mm), and grade P (2) = severe pinguecula (highly vascular and elevated lesion or large pinguecula with a diameter of 5 mm or larger) as shown in Table 2 and Figure 1.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The reports available on the prevalence of pinguecula suggest that its progression is associated with aging. [1][2][3][4][5] Reid and Dushku 6 and Duskhu and Reid 7 have proposed a new grading system for pinguecula. This grading system is considered useful for investigating the clinical significance of pinguecula.…”

Evaluation of Ocular Surface Temperature in Patients with Pterygium

“…6 A focal alteration of limbal stem cells in pterygia is also a wellestablished feature and is the key to understanding pterygia pathogenesis. 7 Furthermore, the limbal predilection may be explained by the phenomenon of peripheral light focusing, in which incidental light passes through the anterior chamber and is focused at the distal (nasal) limbus, where limbal stem cells reside. 8 Symptoms of ocular dryness, irritation, and foreign body sensation may accompany the growth of pterygium onto the cornea, in addition to blurred vision, astigmatism, and an unfavorable cosmetic effect.…”