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Pterygium

Also known as surfer's eye

A fleshy wedge of tissue growing from the white of the eye onto the cornea, driven mostly by sun exposure.

About 1 minute to read

Overview

A pterygium is a benign growth of conjunctival tissue that creeps from the inner corner of the eye toward the cornea. It is strongly associated with lifetime ultraviolet exposure, wind and dust — hence the nickname, and its prevalence in outdoor workers and people who live nearer the equator.

Small ones cause nothing more than intermittent redness. Larger ones flatten the cornea and induce astigmatism, and if they reach the visual axis they blur vision directly.

What are the common symptoms?

  • A visible fleshy or pinkish growth, usually on the nose side of the eye
  • Intermittent redness and irritation, worse in wind or sun
  • A gritty or foreign-body sensation
  • Blurred vision if it induces astigmatism or encroaches on the pupil
  • Cosmetic concern, which is a legitimate reason to treat it

What causes it, and who is at risk?

  • Cumulative ultraviolet exposure — by far the main driver
  • Wind, dust and dry environments
  • Outdoor occupations and water sports
  • Chronic dry eye and surface irritation

How is it treated?

Most pterygia are simply monitored. Surgery is for growths that threaten vision, cause persistent discomfort, or bother the person enough to warrant it.

  • UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses and a hat — the single most useful measure
  • Lubricating drops for irritation; short courses of mild anti-inflammatory drops for flares
  • Photographic monitoring to track growth
  • Surgical removal with a conjunctival autograft, which markedly reduces recurrence compared with bare removal

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can tell you what is actually going on.

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Related conditions

Astigmatism Vision is blurred or doubled at every distance because the eye's surface is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. Dry Eye Syndrome Burning, gritty, tired eyes — and often watery ones — caused by a tear film that is not doing its job. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage A dramatic-looking patch of bright red on the white of the eye that is almost always harmless. Yellow Eyes Yellowing of the whites is rarely an eye problem at all — it is the liver or the blood showing up in the eye.
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