Pterygium - Education: What preventive advice is given?

• A. Wear UV protection when outside.
• B. Avoid sunglasses.
• C. Limit hydration.
• D. Use steroid drops routinely.

Answer: (A)

UV exposure to the eye is a well-established risk factor for pterygium development and progression. The best preventive advice is to reduce UV exposure by wearing protective eyewear outdoors. Sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B light, ideally with a wrap-around design, plus a wide-brimmed hat, provide the most effective defense and are the cornerstone of patient education for this condition. Avoiding sunglasses would increase UV exposure, hydration has no direct impact on pterygium, and using steroid drops routinely is not a preventive strategy and carries potential risks.