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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
A pterygium is a wedge of tissue that grows from the white of the eye onto the cornea. It's linked to UV exposure and is treatable when it threatens vision.
What helps
Here's the plan — and why it works.
Prevention
UV protection
Wraparound sunglasses with 100% UV protection are the single most important measure. Wide-brimmed hats add meaningful additional protection.
Symptom control
Lubricating drops + mild steroids
Preservative-free artificial tears manage dryness and irritation. Brief courses of mild topical steroids calm flare-ups of redness and inflammation.
When to remove
Surgical excision with autograft
When the pterygium threatens the central cornea, causes significant astigmatism, or is cosmetically bothersome, it's removed with a conjunctival autograft — which dramatically reduces recurrence.
After surgery
Ongoing UV protection
After removal, UV protection is essential to prevent recurrence. Sunglasses become a long-term habit, not an option.
Come in if
The pterygium is growing rapidly, causing blurred vision, or you see new astigmatism developing — these are signs that excision should be considered before it reaches the central cornea.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Will it keep growing?+
Slowly, in most cases. Many pterygia stabilize and never need surgery. Others grow toward the central cornea and warrant removal before they affect central vision.
Can I just wait?+
Often yes — many pterygia don't need surgery. The decision is based on growth, vision impact, irritation, and how it looks. Continuing UV protection slows progression.
Will surgery leave a scar?+
A small surgical scar is normal. Modern technique uses your own conjunctival tissue as a graft, which heals to a smooth surface and looks dramatically better than older 'bare sclera' techniques.
Can it come back after surgery?+
Recurrence is the main risk. The conjunctival autograft technique reduces recurrence to under 10% in most series. Without a graft, recurrence rates were historically much higher.
Is this skin cancer?+
No — pterygium is benign. But the same sun exposure that causes pterygium causes ocular surface cancers, which is why your eye doctor watches the appearance carefully.