What is Pterygium?
Pterygium is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the white part of the eye that can extend over the cornea. Often called “surfer’s eye,” it is linked to excessive exposure to sunlight, dust, wind, or dry environments. While it may start as a small, harmless spot, a pterygium can grow and affect vision or cause discomfort in such cases, surgery may be required.
While small pterygia may not cause major problems, they can lead to redness, irritation, dryness, or blurred vision. When the growth becomes large enough to affect vision, cause discomfort, or change the appearance of the eye significantly, pterygium surgery is recommended to remove it and restore normal eye health.
When is Pterygium Surgery Needed?
Not all pterygia need to be removed. Surgery is usually recommended when:
- The growth interferes with vision
- There is significant irritation, redness, or dryness
- The pterygium keeps growing and becomes cosmetically bothersome
- Contact lenses can no longer be worn comfortably
How Pterygium Surgery Works
Recovery: Eye drops and medication are prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the eye, so the procedure is painless.
Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the pterygium from the cornea and sclera.
Grafting: In most cases, a small piece of tissue (conjunctival autograft) is taken from another part of the eye and placed where the pterygium was removed. This reduces the chance of recurrence.
Recovery After Pterygium Surgery
Recovery after pterygium surgery is usually smooth, but it requires proper post-operative care. Most patients experience mild discomfort, redness, and irritation for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed eye drops and pain relievers. It’s important to avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming, or being exposed to dust and smoke during the healing period. Most people return to their normal routine within a week, though complete healing of the eye may take a few weeks. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and prevent recurrence.
- Use prescribed eye drops regularly
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Protect your eyes from sunlight with sunglasses
- Keep dust and irritants away
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Pterygium surgery is a safe and effective way to restore eye comfort and vision when the growth becomes a problem. If you notice persistent redness, irritation, or a visible growth on your eye, schedule an eye checkup as early as possible. Timely treatment ensures the best results and long-term eye health.