Further evidence for heredity of pterygium

Abstract

Epidemiological reports strongly indicate that pterygium is an ophthalmoheliosis: a sun-related eye disease. Familial occurrence of pterygium is rare but supports the concept that heredity may predispose the conjunctiva to react abnormally to atmospheric-environmental stimuli. We describe a two generation Caucasian family of five members from the United Kingdom, four of whom developed pterygia in early adulthood with autosomal dominant inheritance. The present report confirms the significance of heredity in the pathogenesis of pterygium. Understanding the genetic basis of pterygium pathogenesis is clinically relevant, particularly in the management of patients who develop recurrent and aggressive pterygia at younger ages.

Acupoint Massage plus Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Ophthalmic Gel and Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation on Visual Quality, Corneal Refraction, and Aesthetic Outcome in Patients with Pterygium

“…Though the etiology of pterygium remains unclear etiology, the contributors such as genetic and environmental factors and chronic long-term stimuli such as dust, smoke, and sunlight have been identified [ 13 , 14 ]. External stimuli lead to increased vascular permeability in the corner of the eye, resulting in a decrease in the proliferation of stem cell transplantation, a decreased ability to regulate differentiation, abnormal proliferation of ocular fibroblasts, and the formation of new blood vessels [ 15 ].…”

Morphometric characterisation of pterygium associated with corneal stromal scarring using high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography

“…While there is some evidence of heredity, exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most prominent risk factor 2 3. UVR is able to induce mutations, which may explain the link between pterygium and the finding of the p53 oncogene in some pterygia 4.…”

Pterygium: an update on pathophysiology, clinical features, and management

“…For the first time in 1893, familial incidence of pterygia was reported by Gutierrez-Ponce, where five affected males were detected in three generations of a family. 62 Subsequent reports revealed high incidence of pterygium in certain families over numerous consecutive generations, suggesting the role of heredity factors in predisposing the conjunctiva to exacerbated reactions to environmental stimuli. [63][64][65][66] In these reports, various modes of inheritance, including autosomal dominant with reduced penetrance, polygenic, multifactorial, and non-Mendelian inheritance, have been described; monozygotic twins concordant have been proposed; and females are reported to be affected as often as males.…”