Have you ever noticed a reddish or yellowish growth on the white part of your eye, especially after spending a lot of time outdoors? This could be a pterygium, commonly known as “surfer’s eye.” While often benign, this wing-shaped tissue growth can sometimes cause discomfort, blur vision, and even lead to cosmetic concerns. Pterygium is particularly common in individuals with frequent exposure to sun, wind, or dust, making it a prevalent issue in sunny regions like Los Angeles.

We’ll demystify pterygium, explain when pterygium removal surgery becomes necessary, and what patients can expect during the process, particularly for those seeking eye surgery in Los Angeles.

What Is a Pterygium?

A pterygium is a non-cancerous, fleshy growth of conjunctival tissue—the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye. It typically originates from the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) and extends horizontally across the white of the eye, often growing towards the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye). While it can occur in one eye, it often develops in both eyes, a condition known as bilateral pterygium.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of pterygium is chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. This is why it’s so common among surfers, farmers, construction workers, and anyone who spends significant time outdoors without adequate eye protection.

Other contributing factors and risk factors include:

• Irritation from wind, dust, or dry environments: These elements can further irritate the eye’s surface, contributing to pterygium development or growth.
• Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be more genetically inclined to develop pterygium.
• Geographic location: Pterygium is more prevalent in people who live in sunny or high-UV regions, such as Southern California.

Symptoms of Pterygium

The symptoms of pterygium can vary in severity. In its early stages, a pterygium might be small and cause no noticeable symptoms. However, as it grows, you might experience:

• Redness or inflammation: The growth itself can become red and irritated, especially after exposure to irritants.
• Gritty, dry, or itchy eyes: The presence of the growth can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to sensations of dryness or a foreign body in the eye.
• Blurred vision: If the growth extends over the cornea, it can distort the corneal shape, leading to astigmatism or directly obscuring the visual axis, which results in blurred vision.
• Cosmetic concerns or visible eye growth: For many, the visible presence of the growth is a significant concern, impacting their appearance.

Also Read: Does Pterygium Affect Your Vision? Here’s When to See an Eye Doctor

When Is Surgery for Pterygium Necessary?

While not all pterygia cases require surgical intervention, there are clear signs you need surgery for pterygium. Conservative treatments, such as lubricating eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications, are often the first line of defense to manage symptoms like redness and irritation. However, when these treatments no longer provide relief, or if the pterygium progresses, pterygium treatment in Los Angeles often involves surgical removal.

Surgery becomes necessary when:

• Vision is affected: This is the most critical indicator. If the growth extends over the cornea and begins to impair vision, cause significant astigmatism, or lead to persistent blurriness, red eye growth removal is essential to preserve eyesight.
• Rapid growth or recurrent inflammation: A pterygium that is rapidly growing or consistently inflamed despite medical management may require removal to prevent further complications.
• Persistent discomfort: If the pterygium causes chronic pain, irritation, or a foreign body sensation that significantly impacts daily life, surgery can provide much-needed relief.
• Cosmetic reasons: In advanced or highly visible cases, where the pterygium is large and noticeable, patients may opt for surgery for cosmetic improvement.

Consulting with an eye doctor for pterygium removal is necessary to determine if surgery is the right next step for your specific condition. An eye specialist near me will be able to assess the size, location, and impact of the pterygium on your vision and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

What to Expect from Pterygium Surgery

Pterygium removal is a common and generally safe outpatient procedure. It is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning your eye will be numbed, but you will remain awake.

During the surgery, the eye specialist will carefully remove the abnormal growth. To significantly reduce the chances of recurrence, a common and highly effective technique called conjunctival autografting is often employed. This involves taking a small, healthy piece of tissue from another part of your own eye (usually from under the upper eyelid) and grafting it onto the area where the pterygium was removed. This graft helps to cover the exposed sclera and inhibit new growth. In some cases, tissue adhesives (fibrin glue) may be used instead of sutures to secure the graft, potentially leading to less discomfort and a faster recovery.

Pterygium surgery recovery time typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months for complete healing, though most patients experience significant improvement within the first week.

Post-operative care is vital for successful healing and minimizing recurrence. You will be prescribed eye drops, usually a combination of antibiotics to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation. Regular follow-up visits with your eye doctor will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. It is also necessary to avoid sun exposure, wind, and dust during the initial recovery period.

Risks and Recurrence

While pterygium removal surgery has a high success rate, recurrence is possible, although the risk is significantly reduced with modern grafting techniques like conjunctival autograft. Studies show recurrence rates with conjunctival autografting can be as low as 5-10%, compared to much higher rates (up to 80%) with older “bare sclera” techniques.

Rare risks associated with the procedure include infection, graft rejection (though rare with autografts), and scarring. Following your post-operative instructions diligently and wearing UV protection are key to minimizing these risks and promoting optimal outcomes.

Prevention Tips After Surgery

Even after successful pterygium removal, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent future growth or recurrence:

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors: Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.
• Use lubricating drops in dry or dusty environments: This can help maintain a healthy ocular surface and reduce irritation.
• Avoid prolonged sun and wind exposure without protection: Hats with wide brims can provide additional protection.

Final Thoughts

Pterygium is a manageable eye condition, and when it causes significant symptoms or affects vision, surgical pterygium treatment in Los Angeles is a safe and effective solution. Early evaluation by an eye specialist can help prevent complications and preserve your vision. If you suspect you have a pterygium or are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, do not hesitate to consult with an eye doctor for pterygium removal. 

Soroudi Advanced LASIK & Eye Centers, experienced eye specialists near me can determine if pterygium removal is the right next step for you, helping you achieve clear vision and comfortable eyes. Contact us today!