Pterygium

What is a pterygium?

A pterygium is pink, fleshy, non-cancerous tissue on the white part of your eye, often starting near the corner closest to your nose.

It can slowly grow toward the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. While it might look concerning, it’s usually harmless, though it can cause irritation or vision problems if it gets large enough.

What causes a pterygium?

Pterygia are strongly linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, especially from the sun.

People who spend a lot of time outdoors — particularly in sunny, windy, or dusty environments — are more likely to develop this condition. That’s why it’s often called “surfer’s eye.”

Dry eyes and environmental irritants like wind, smoke, or sand can also play a role.

What are the symptoms of a pterygium?

You may not notice any symptoms at first, especially if the pterygium growth is small. As it gets larger, a pterygium can cause:

• Redness
• Eye irritation
• Dryness
• Itching
• A feeling like something is in your eye

In some cases, if a pterygium grows onto the cornea, it may distort your vision by altering the shape of your eye’s surface.

How is a pterygium diagnosed?

At Holmdel Eye Center, Dr. Abdelhady can easily diagnose a pterygium during a routine eye exam.

He’ll carefully examine the surface of your eye to determine the size and location of the growth and check if it’s affecting your vision.

What are the treatment options for a pterygium?

If the pterygium is small and not causing problems, you may not need treatment, just regular monitoring. Lubricating eye drops or ointments can help to relieve irritation and dryness.

If the pterygium becomes bothersome, continues to grow, or starts to affect your vision, Dr. Abdelhady may recommend surgical removal. Surgery is usually quick and safe, effectively improving comfort and protecting your sight.

To reduce the risk of recurrence, Dr. Abdelhady uses advanced surgical techniques and may apply medications during the procedure to prevent regrowth.

How can I prevent a pterygium?

The best prevention is to protect your eyes from UV rays. Wear sunglasses that are able to block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Using artificial tears helps keep your eyes moist and less irritated by wind or dust.

If you have a suspected pterygium, call Holmdel Eye Center to request a consultation or book an appointment online today.