Pterygium Surgery
A pterygium is a pink, fleshy growth on the white of the eye that can spread onto the cornea. It's linked to years of sun, wind and dust exposure, and it's common in sunny climates like Southern California.
Symptoms
- A visible growth, usually on the side of the eye near the nose
- Redness and irritation
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Blurred vision if it grows onto the cornea or causes astigmatism
Treatment without surgery
A small pterygium can often be managed with lubricating eye drops. Sunglasses and a hat outdoors help slow its growth. Steroid drops may be used for a short time during flare-ups.
When surgery helps
- The growth is moving toward the center of the cornea
- It's changing your vision or causing astigmatism
- Irritation continues despite drops
- You're bothered by how it looks. Insurance may not cover surgery done only for appearance.
The procedure
Pterygium surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than an hour. The growth is removed, and the area is covered with a thin graft of your own tissue from under the upper eyelid (a conjunctival autograft). The graft is held in place with tissue glue or small stitches. Using a graft greatly lowers the chance that the pterygium grows back.
Recovery
Expect redness and irritation for a few weeks while the eye heals. You'll use prescription eye drops, and you should wear sunglasses outdoors to protect the eye.
Common questions
Will the pterygium come back?
It can, but covering the area with a graft of your own tissue lowers that chance considerably. Protecting your eyes from the sun also helps.
What's the difference between a pterygium and a pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a yellowish bump on the white of the eye that doesn't grow onto the cornea. It's usually treated with drops. A pterygium can grow across the cornea and affect vision.
Ready to schedule a visit?
Call or text (714) 312-1200. We'll find a time that works for you.