Pterygium Removal Surgery - Conjunctiva Treatment

What Is Pterygium?

Pterygium—commonly referred to as surfer’s eye—is a non-cancerous growth of fibrous tissue that develops on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) and can extend onto the cornea. It’s primarily caused by chronic exposure to UV rays, wind, dust, and environmental irritants.

Though benign, pterygium can lead to:

Chronic eye redness and irritation
A gritty or foreign body sensation
Cosmetic concerns
Blurred vision or vision distortion if the growth reaches the cornea

Left untreated, advanced pterygium may result in permanent corneal scarring.

Pterygium Treatment Options

Conservative Management

For small or non-irritating pterygium, treatment may include:

Observation and Monitoring by your eye care provider
Protective Eyewear: Sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection to reduce exposure
Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops to relieve redness and irritation

Surgical Removal

When pterygium becomes cosmetically bothersome, chronically inflamed, or begins to affect your vision, pterygium removal surgery is the most effective treatment.

Performed by board-certified eye surgeons
Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
Covered by insurance when medically necessary
Cosmetic removals may be elective and self-pay

What to Expect After Pterygium Surgery

Recovery Timeline: Expect moderate discomfort and redness for 1–2 weeks
Low Recurrence Rate: Modern surgical techniques have lowered recurrence to 10–20%
Post-Operative Care: Our team will guide you through the healing process to ensure a smooth recovery

Why Choose Us for Pterygium Removal?

Fellowship-Trained, Board-Certified Eye Surgeons
Latest Microsurgical Techniques with Low Recurrence
Personalized Treatment Plans and Education
In-Network with Most Major Insurance Providers
Convenient Consultation Scheduling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pterygium is a non-cancerous tissue growth on the eye caused by sun exposure and environmental irritation. It may cause redness, discomfort, and vision problems if left untreated.

Surgery is recommended when the growth interferes with vision, causes persistent discomfort, or is cosmetically undesirable. Early removal helps prevent permanent damage.

You may experience redness and moderate discomfort for 1–2 weeks after surgery. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, following post-op instructions.

Yes, it is typically covered when medically necessary. Cosmetic removals may not be covered and can be billed as self-pay procedures.

While recurrence is possible, updated surgical techniques have significantly lowered the risk. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses can also help prevent regrowth.