Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
A pterygium is a fleshy, non-cancerous, wing-shaped growth of tissue that develops on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea, often linked to long-term exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust. Pterygium excision surgery removes this growth when it causes persistent irritation or redness, or threatens vision. The most common modern technique removes the growth and covers the bare area with a graft of the patient's own conjunctival tissue, which substantially reduces the chance of it growing back.
Who typically needs this
- People whose pterygium causes ongoing redness, irritation, or a foreign-body sensation not controlled with lubricating drops.
- Growths that are enlarging and approaching or crossing onto the central cornea, threatening vision.
- Pterygium causing astigmatism that affects vision or comfortable contact lens wear.
- Cosmetic concern is also a valid reason some patients seek removal, particularly with recurrent or prominent growths.
What to expect
- Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye.
- The pterygium tissue is carefully dissected and removed from the conjunctiva and cornea.
- A small graft of healthy conjunctival tissue, usually taken from elsewhere on the same eye, is placed over the bare area and secured with sutures or tissue glue.
- The eye is patched or otherwise protected temporarily after surgery.
Recovery
- Redness, mild discomfort, and watering are common for the first one to two weeks.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are used for several weeks to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Vision may be blurry at first, due to swelling and surgically induced astigmatism, and improves as the eye heals.
- Sun protection with UV-blocking sunglasses is generally recommended during recovery and afterward to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Risks to know about
- Recurrence of the pterygium is the most notable risk, though using a conjunctival autograft substantially reduces this compared with older techniques.
- Scarring or graft-related irregularity can occasionally require further treatment.
- As with any eye surgery, infection and bleeding are uncommon but recognized risks.
- Temporary double vision or discomfort with eye movement can occur while the tissue heals.
Frequently asked questions
Will the pterygium grow back?
Recurrence is possible, but the conjunctival autograft technique used today has a considerably lower recurrence rate than older methods.
Do I need surgery if it does not bother me?
Not necessarily. Small, stable pterygia that are not affecting vision or comfort can often just be monitored.
How long is the recovery?
Most people return to normal activities within a week or two, though full comfort can take a few weeks.
Can pterygium be prevented from coming back?
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses and reducing dust and wind exposure can help lower the risk of recurrence.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)?, Cleveland Clinic — Pterygium (Surfer's Eye) . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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