Cause of blindness in pterygium –
**Core Concept**
Pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea, which is the clear layer on the front of your eye. This condition can lead to vision problems if it progresses and invades the cornea.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is due to the invasion of pterygium into the cornea, leading to corneal scarring and loss of vision. Pterygium can cause irregular astigmatism, photophobia, and tearing due to the invasion of the cornea, but the primary cause of blindness is the scarring of the cornea. The scarring can lead to corneal ulcers, perforation, and vision loss.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because while inflammation is a part of the pterygium, it is not the primary cause of blindness.
**Option B:** Incorrect because dry eyes can be a symptom of pterygium, but it is not the cause of blindness.
**Option C:** Incorrect because while UV exposure can contribute to the development of pterygium, it is not the direct cause of blindness.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pterygium is more common in people who live near the equator, where UV radiation is more intense. It is also more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
**Correct Answer: C. UV exposure. UV radiation can contribute to the development of pterygium, which can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss.