What is the name for the fibrovascular growth that invades the cornea and originates in the conjunctiva?

The fibrovascular growth that invades the cornea and originates in the conjunctiva is known as a pterygium. This condition typically appears as a triangular wedge of tissue that extends from the conjunctiva onto the corneal surface, often associated with excessive sun exposure, loose tissue, and irritation. Pterygia can cause visual disturbances if they grow large enough to obscure the visual axis or if they induce astigmatism.

In contrast, a chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid, a pinguecula is a yellowish, raised growth that occurs on the conjunctiva but does not invade the cornea, and a hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, is an acute infection of the eyelid gland. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and causes that differentiate them from a pterygium.