SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION OF PTERYGIUM BY AUTO-AVULSION

The exact pathogenesis of pterygia is not yet clearly understood. Most recent studies implicate fibroblastic proliferation as the essential histopathology in the condition. A case is presented in which spontane ous avulsion of the head of a pterygium occurred, with rapid resolutio n of symptoms. Such an avulsion suggests the presence of strong forces being exerted on the cornea by the pterygium. Fibroblastic activity c ould be responsible for the development of such forces. This case supp orts existing evidence for the primary nature of fibroblastic prolifer ation in the development of pterygia.