Ocular Pterygium
Ocular pterygium refers to a patch of hypertrophied bulbar subconjunctival tissue. This tissue may anchor the eyelid to the sclera, thus preventing the opening of the eye. Ocular pterygium will be noticeable during quiet wakefulness when both eyes are supposed to be wide open (Figure 173.1). The diagnosis is established by direct observation of the affected eye. Ocular pterygium may occur as an isolated finding or as a component of a syndrome. Ocular pterygium often occurs with linear nevus sebaceous syndrome. The treatment of ocular pterygium is surgical.

A	B

Figure 173.1.— Neonate with linear nevus sebaceous syndrome. [A] Facial asymmetry is hardly noticeable when both eyes are closed. [B] Facial asymmetry becomes very noticeable when attempting to open the eyes.