Pterygium Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your eyes are constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, certain conditions can develop that affect their comfort and clarity. One condition is pterygium, a common eye growth that causes irritation and can impact vision.

What is Pterygium?

A pterygium – also called surfer’s eye – is a noncancerous growth of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye) that extends onto the cornea. It usually starts near the inner corner of the eye and grows toward the center. 

Pterygia vary in size. Some stay small and cause no issues, while others grow large enough to affect vision.

Symptoms of Pterygium

Pterygium often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms at first. Many people notice it only because of its appearance: a fleshy, pinkish growth on the white part of the eye. 

As it progresses, it can lead to irritation, discomfort, and, in some cases, vision changes.

Common Symptoms

1. Redness and irritation – The affected eye may appear bloodshot and feel uncomfortable.
2. Gritty or dry sensation – Many people describe it as feeling like something in their eye, like dryness or dust irritation.
3. Blurred or obstructed vision – If the pterygium grows toward the center of the cornea, it can cause vision distortion or make it difficult to focus.
4. A visible fleshy growth on the eye – This is the most recognizable symptom. It typically appears near the inner corner of the eye and extends toward the cornea.

Causes & Risk Factors of Pterygium

Pterygium develops when the eye is repeatedly exposed to environmental stressors. While the exact cause is not fully understood, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

What causes pterygium?

1. UV light exposure – The most common associated factor associated with pterygium. Frequent exposure to sunlight without eye protection increases the risk.
2. Chronic eye irritation – Wind, dust, smoke, and dry air can irritate the eye’s surface, leading to abnormal tissue growth.
3. Genetics & predisposition – Some individuals are more prone to developing pterygium due to genetic or family history.
4. Lack of protective eyewear – People who do not wear sunglasses or safety goggles are more vulnerable to UV damage and environmental irritants.

Who is at risk?

1. People frequently exposed to sunlight – Surfers, outdoor workers, farmers, construction workers, skiers, and others who spend long hours in the sun are at higher risk.
2. Individuals in hot, dry, and windy climates – Pterygium is more common in desert regions, coastal areas, and tropical environments where sun and wind exposure are higher.
3. Men – Studies show that men are up to 50% more likely to develop pterygium than women. This may be due to higher outdoor exposure in certain occupations.
4. Older adults – While pterygium can develop at any age, it is more common in middle-aged and older adults.
5. Those with chronic eye inflammation or irritation – Individuals who experience dry eyes, frequent inflammation, or regular exposure to airborne irritants may develop pterygium more easily.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Pterygium

While pterygium is not always preventable, you can take simple steps to lower your risk.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Exposure

1. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses – Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the biggest risk factor for pterygium. Wraparound sunglasses provide the best protection by shielding your eyes from all angles.
2. Use a wide-brimmed hat – A hat reduces direct sunlight exposure and helps block harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes.

Keep Your Eyes Moist and Protected

1. Use artificial tears – If you live in a dry or dusty area, lubricating eye drops help prevent irritation and dryness.
2. Avoid excessive wind and dust exposure – Dust, sand, and wind irritate the eye’s surface. When possible, limit exposure to harsh conditions or wear protective eyewear.

Wear Protective Eyewear in High-Risk Environments

If you work outdoors or in conditions with high exposure to wind, dust, or airborne irritants, safety goggles or protective eyewear help reduce eye strain and irritation.

Pterygium Diagnosis

Diagnosing pterygium is usually done through a simple eye exam. In most cases, your eye doctor can identify pterygium just by looking at your eye. However, further evaluation will be needed if the growth worsens or begins to affect vision.

How is pterygium diagnosed?

• Clinical examination: Your doctor will examine your eye’s surface to check for the characteristic growth on the conjunctiva.
• Corneal topography (for advanced cases): If the pterygium impacts vision, your doctor may use this imaging test to assess how much the cornea has been affected.

When is further testing or treatment needed?

If the pterygium grows large enough to affect vision or cause severe irritation, your doctor may recommend serial testing or surgical removal.

In some cases, the pterygium can induce astigmatism. This makes correcting vision with glasses or contacts more difficult.

Since pterygium is rarely a serious condition, early detection and proper management help keep your vision clear. If you notice changes in your eye, schedule an eye exam to discuss the best course of action.

Pterygium Treatment Options

Most pterygia are mild and do not need treatment (aside from lubrication and sun protection). However, if symptoms become bothersome or the growth worsens, options are available to relieve discomfort and protect your vision.

Non-Surgical Treatments (For Mild Cases)

For many individuals, symptom management is the best approach. Common treatments include:

1. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops relieve dryness and irritation.
2. Anti-inflammatory eye drops reduce any redness and swelling.
3. Lifestyle adjustments like wearing UV-protective sunglasses, avoiding dust and wind, and using humidifiers to prevent further irritation.

Pterygium is often monitored with regular eye exams to track any changes. If it remains stable and does not interfere with vision, additional treatment may not be necessary.

Surgical Treatment (Pterygium Removal Surgery)

Surgery is typically recommended if:

1. The pterygium grows large enough to affect vision.
2. It causes severe irritation, frequent inflammation, or discomfort that does not improve with other treatments.

What to Expect During Surgery

• Outpatient procedure: Pterygium removal is performed in a clinic or surgical center under local anesthesia.
• Graft technique: To reduce the risk of recurrence, the surgeon may use a conjunctival or amniotic membrane graft to cover the area where the pterygium was removed. 
• Customized approach: The surgical technique varies based on pterygium size, remaining ocular tissue health, and the availability of grafting material. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your specific case.

Recovery & Aftercare

• Initial recovery: After surgery, patients typically go home with an eye patch to wear for 24-72 hours.
• Medication: Steroid and antibiotic eye drops or ointments are prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and minimize scarring.
• Post-surgical follow-ups: The surgeon will check the graft placement, healing progress, and signs of recurrence through follow-up visits.
• Temporary discomfort: It is normal to experience mild redness, irritation, and a scratchy sensation for the first 1–2 weeks as the eye heals.
• Lubrication: Artificial tears and ointments help keep the eye comfortable throughout the healing process.

Pterygium Recurrence

Even after surgical removal, pterygium can return in some cases. Recurrence rates vary, with some studies estimating that up to 50% of individuals may experience regrowth. 

The likelihood of recurrence depends on several factors, including surgical technique, postoperative care, and continued exposure to UV light and irritants.

Why does pterygium recur?

Pterygium recurrence is believed to be linked to:

1. Surgical trauma and healing response – The body may respond to surgical removal by regenerating abnormal tissue at the site.
2. Postoperative inflammation – If the eye remains inflamed after surgery, it can trigger regrowth.
3. Continued UV exposure – Sun damage can contribute to new tissue growth without proper eye protection.

How to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence

To lower the chances of pterygium coming back, doctors may use advanced surgical techniques and preventive treatments, including:

1. Autografting – This technique involves transplanting healthy conjunctival tissue onto the affected area after removal. This can significantly reduce the risk of regrowth.
2. Mitomycin C (MMC) – A medication initially used in cancer treatment, MMC is sometimes applied during or after surgery to slow down abnormal tissue regrowth.
3. Radiotherapy – In rare cases, low-dose radiation therapy may be used to prevent recurrence.
4. Amniograft – This involves transplanting a processed piece of amniotic membrane as a graft or layer to replace the defect caused by the pterygium removal. This reduces the risk of regrowth, scarring, and enhances healing.

If you have had pterygium before, staying proactive with eye care and regular check-ups helps keep your eyes clear and healthy.

Protecting Your Eyes Starts Today

Whether you notice early signs or are dealing with an advanced case, diagnosis and the right treatment plan make all the difference.

At Heart of Texas Eye Care, our experienced eye specialists provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and expert surgical care for pterygium and other eye conditions. 

If you are experiencing redness, irritation, or vision changes, do not wait. Book an appointment online or call us at (512) 213-2220 to learn more about your treatment options. We serve patients in Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and surrounding areas.

Your eyes deserve the best care – let us help you keep them healthy and clear!