Do your eyes feel more irritated, gritty, or inflamed when the heater kicks on? If you’re living with pterygium—the raised, fleshy growth on the eye often called “surfer’s eye”—you may notice that symptoms flare during the cooler months. Even though winters in San Luis Obispo County are mild, indoor heating can create conditions that make pterygium much more uncomfortable.
At ADV Vision, we routinely see patients whose pterygium symptoms intensify during winter. Understanding why this happens can help you manage the irritation — and know when it’s time to explore medical treatment or surgical removal.
Why Pterygium Becomes More Irritated in the Winter
Pterygium is strongly associated with UV exposure, wind, dust, and chronic dryness — all of which affect the surface of the eye. Winter introduces several environmental factors that enhance irritation, especially once indoor heating systems turn on.
1. Indoor Heating Dramatically Lowers Humidity
When heaters warm the air in your home or office, they also strip out moisture.
Low humidity leads to:
- Faster tear evaporation
- A less stable tear film
- A drier ocular surface
Because pterygium already disrupts the tear film, additional dryness can make the eye more inflamed and uncomfortable.
2. Warm Airflow Directly Aggravates the Eye
Heating vents, car heaters, and space heaters create a steady stream of warm air.
This airflow worsens pterygium symptoms by:
- Drying exposed tissue
- Increasing surface irritation
- Making the eye feel gritty or itchy
Many patients report the worst irritation while driving with the heater on.
3. Winter Winds + Indoor Heat = A Double Irritant
Outdoor wind exposure is a known trigger for pterygium discomfort.
Combine that with indoor heating, and you have:
- Dry conditions outside
- Even drier environments inside
This “back-to-back dryness” can cause the tissue to swell or redden more quickly.
4. Increased Screen Time Reduces Blinking
Cooler evenings often mean more digital screen use at home, which decreases blink rate.
Fewer blinks = less tear distribution.
For pterygium patients, this leads to more inflammation and burning.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your pterygium becomes more irritated each winter, that’s a signal that the tissue may be growing or becoming more inflamed. You should see an ophthalmologist if you experience:
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Frequent tearing
- A gritty or foreign-body sensation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- A visible increase in the size of the growth
At ADV Vision, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pterygium using advanced imaging and surgical techniques.
How ADV Vision Helps: Personalized Care + Surgical Expertise
Our ophthalmologists evaluate how your environment, tear film, and ocular surface contribute to your pterygium symptoms. A thorough evaluation allows us to determine whether you need conservative management or if surgical removal is the better long-term option.
Non-Surgical Management
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Lubricating drops
- Humidifier use in dry indoor environments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce irritation
These options can help manage symptoms during winter months but will not remove the growth itself.
Pterygium Surgery at ADV Vision
If your pterygium is growing, affecting your vision, or causing chronic irritation, surgical removal provides long-lasting relief.
ADV Vision specializes in modern pterygium surgery techniques designed to:
- Remove the growth safely
- Restore surface comfort
- Reduce the risk of recurrence
- Improve appearance and symmetry
- Protect long-term vision
Patients across San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, and surrounding Central Coast communities seek our expertise for effective and cosmetic outcomes.
What Our Patients Are Saying
“One of the best experiences of any medical office I have visited. Outstanding staff, friendly and helpful. Gaby is an excellent technician, made me feel comfortable, and was patient enough to answer all my questions. Dr. Abroms was equally friendly and took the time to describe the condition of my eyes and explain the entire process. Excellent service.”
Find Relief from Winter Pterygium Irritation
If your eyes feel more irritated whenever your heater runs, it may be a sign that your pterygium needs professional attention. The team at ADV Vision can evaluate your eyes, identify what’s triggering your symptoms, and guide you toward the right treatment — including advanced surgical care when needed.
