Pterygium Treatment

Name: Pterygium Treatment
Brand: Ophthalmology Associates

A pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue on the surface of the eye that can extend onto the cornea, and while it's often linked to years of sun and wind exposure, it can usually be managed or removed before it significantly affects your vision.

Treating a Growth That Develops on the Eye's Surface

A pterygium is a raised, often triangular growth of tissue that forms on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye, and can gradually extend onto the cornea itself. It's sometimes called surfer's eye due to its strong association with long-term sun and wind exposure. Ophthalmology Associates evaluates and treats pterygium across North Texas, monitoring smaller growths and surgically removing those that threaten vision or cause ongoing discomfort.

Schedule an evaluation if you've noticed a growth or persistent irritation on the surface of your eye.

What Causes a Pterygium?

UV Exposure: Long-term exposure to sunlight is the most significant risk factor, particularly without adequate eye protection.
Dry, Dusty, or Windy Environments: Frequent exposure to these conditions can irritate the eye's surface and contribute to growth over time.
Age: Pterygia become more common with age, reflecting cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime.
Genetics: Some patients appear to have a higher genetic predisposition to developing pterygium.

Symptoms of a Pterygium

Visible Growth: A raised, often pink or fleshy patch on the white of the eye, sometimes extending toward the cornea.
Redness: Ongoing irritation of the tissue surrounding the growth.
Grittiness or Irritation: A persistent feeling of something in the eye, similar to dry eye symptoms.
Dryness: Reduced tear film stability around the affected area.
Blurred Vision: Occurs when the growth extends far enough onto the cornea to interfere with light entering the eye.

How a Pterygium Is Diagnosed

A pterygium is typically diagnosed through a straightforward eye exam, since the growth is visible on the eye's surface. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate its size, how close it is to the center of the cornea, and whether it's affecting your vision or causing significant irritation, all of which help determine the right treatment approach.

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Treatment Options

Treatment depends largely on the size of the pterygium and how much discomfort or vision change it's causing.

Observation: Small, stable pterygia that aren't causing symptoms are often simply monitored over time.
Lubricating Drops: Help manage dryness and irritation associated with a smaller growth.
Anti-Inflammatory Drops: Used to reduce redness and inflammation during flare-ups.
Surgical Removal: Recommended when a pterygium grows large enough to threaten vision, causes persistent discomfort, or affects appearance in a way the patient wants addressed.

Who's a Candidate for Pterygium Surgery?

Surgery is generally recommended for pterygia that are growing toward the center of the cornea, causing consistent irritation despite drops, or affecting vision. Patients who are bothered by the growth's appearance may also choose surgical removal, even in cases where it isn't yet affecting vision or comfort.

Woman smiling | Grass field | A brown eye

Preventing a Pterygium

Because UV exposure is the leading risk factor, wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors can meaningfully reduce your risk.

This is especially important for anyone who spends significant time outdoors for work or recreation, particularly in bright, windy, or dusty conditions.

Why Choose Ophthalmology Associates?

Ophthalmology Associates evaluates and treats pterygium across North Texas, led by board-certified, physician-owned ophthalmologists rather than outside investors. We take a measured approach, monitoring smaller growths and offering surgical removal only when it's genuinely needed, using techniques designed to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Pterygium Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pterygium cancerous?

No. A pterygium is a benign growth, not a cancerous one, though your ophthalmologist will still monitor it to make sure its appearance and behavior stay consistent with a typical pterygium.

Can a pterygium go away on its own?

No. A pterygium won't resolve on its own, though small, stable ones often don't require anything beyond monitoring and occasional lubricating drops.

Does pterygium surgery hurt?

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and is generally not painful. Some mild discomfort or irritation during the first few days of healing is common.

Can a pterygium grow back after it's removed?

It's possible, particularly without proper post-surgical care or continued UV protection. Modern surgical techniques have significantly reduced recurrence rates compared to older methods.

Is a pterygium the same thing as a cataract?

No. A pterygium is a growth on the eye's surface, while a cataract is clouding of the lens inside the eye. They're unrelated conditions, though both can affect vision.

What can I do to help prevent a pterygium from developing?

Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat during extended time outdoors is the most effective way to reduce your risk, especially in bright, dry, or windy conditions.