A pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is a condition you might never have heard of until you experience it. These pink or white fleshy growths on the eye’s outer layer are harmless and noncancerous, but they can interfere with your vision.
Common symptoms of pterygium include:
Many small or stable pterygiums do not need surgical removal. An eye doctor may monitor the growth and recommend measures such as lubricating drops, UV-blocking sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and protection from wind or dust. Patients with associated dryness may also benefit from professional dry eye care.
Surgery may be considered when a pterygium:
During recovery, your surgeon may ask you to:
Many patients return to desk work or light daily activities within several days, but the timing depends on the procedure, symptoms, job demands, and the surgeon’s instructions. Redness may remain visible for several weeks while the surface heals.
Do not drive until your vision is comfortable and your surgeon says it is safe.
During pterygium surgery, the surgeon removes the abnormal tissue from the eye’s surface. The area may then be covered with a thin graft of healthy conjunctival tissue, often taken from another area of the same eye.
The graft may be secured with surgical adhesive, sutures, or another method selected by the surgeon. Using a tissue graft can help support healing and reduce the risk of the pterygium returning.
Pterygium removal is generally performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. Some patients may also receive medication to help them relax.
Southwest Eye Institute provides pterygium evaluations and surgical care in El Paso. Javier E. De la Torre, M.D., offers advanced care for pterygium and other conditions affecting the front surface of the eye.
Local anesthetic helps keep the eye comfortable during the procedure. Patients may feel pressure or awareness of the surgical activity, but they should not feel sharp pain.
After surgery, the eye may feel scratchy, irritated, or sensitive to light. Your surgeon may prescribe eye drops and recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relief based on your needs.
Contact the care team if pain becomes severe, vision worsens suddenly, or symptoms do not follow the expected recovery pattern.
A similar condition, called a pinguecula, could develop into a pterygium. Although a pinguecula is typically smaller than a pterygium, it can still cause symptoms and discomfort.
Common symptoms of a pinguecula include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your doctor. Addressing a pinguecula early can help prevent it from progressing into a pterygium. The doctors at Southwest Eye Institute are here to provide expert care and guidance to ensure your eye health is well cared for.
Though a pterygium is not cancerous, it’s a good idea to have it removed. Over time, these growths can spread and interfere with your vision. Visit Southwest Eye Institute in El Paso today for a thorough examination and compassionate care from our experienced ophthalmologists.
The eye usually heals in four to six weeks after this surgery. If your doctor uses glue to secure the tissue graft instead of sutures, your recovery time may be shorter.
You should follow your doctor’s instructions closely and avoid touching the area or rushing the healing process during this time. You will be given a temporary eye patch or a pad to wear while the area heals.
You won’t experience any pain during the surgery as your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to your eye. Many patients are also lightly sedated before the procedure begins, which helps reduce anxiety and discomfort.
No. A pterygium procedure is considered minor surgery due to the following factors:
Most insurance plans cover pterygium excision. These growths can interfere with vision and, in some cases, cause extreme discomfort. In some cases, insurance will not cover the surgery if the growth is minimal and not causing symptoms. It’s best to check with your insurance company to determine whether they will cover all or part of your surgery.
No. Small or stable pterygiums may only need monitoring, lubrication, and protection from sunlight, wind, and dust. Surgery may be recommended when the growth causes persistent symptoms, affects the cornea or vision, continues progressing, or creates a cosmetic concern.
Initial discomfort often improves within several days, but redness and surface healing may continue for several weeks. Follow your surgeon’s instructions because recovery varies by procedure and patient.
Local anesthesia helps prevent pain during surgery. Temporary irritation, soreness, tearing, or a gritty sensation may occur afterward and can usually be managed with prescribed care.
Pterygium removal is generally considered an outpatient eye procedure rather than major surgery. It still requires careful postoperative care and follow-up to support healing.
Yes. Recurrence is possible. Surgical technique, healing response, environmental exposure, and the characteristics of the original growth may affect the risk.
Redness often improves gradually over several weeks. Some patients heal faster or more slowly depending on the size of the growth, the surgical technique, and individual response.
Some patients return to desk work or light duties within several days. Jobs involving dust, debris, chemicals, strenuous activity, or outdoor exposure may require additional time away or temporary restrictions.
You should not drive immediately after surgery. Resume driving only when your vision is clear and comfortable enough, and your surgeon has confirmed that it is safe.
Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation, use a brimmed hat, protect your eyes from wind and dust, manage surface irritation, and attend follow-up examinations.
Contact your eye doctor for severe or increasing pain, sudden vision loss, worsening redness, discharge, injury to the treated eye, or any symptoms that concern you.
1400 Common Drive
El Paso, TX 79936
2301 Saturn Circle
Las Cruces, NM 88012
150 S. Resler Drive
El Paso, TX 79912
Refractive Surgeon & Medical Ophthalmologist / Anterior Segment Surgery
