1. Eye Care Glossary
  2. What Is Pterygium?

Pterygium

Pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is a growth that occurs on the white of the eye due to extensive exposure to the sun and outdoor elements. Learn how to protect yourself from this condition and what to expect if you develop it.

What Is Pterygium?

Pterygium is a common condition faced by individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s a small triangular growth of extra tissue covering the conjunctiva, or the clear protective cover over the surface of your eye. This tissue usually has a red or “bloodshot” appearance.

This extra growth normally progresses very slowly as it extends across the white part of your eye, starting in the area close to your nose (the corner of your eye) and growing out toward the iris. The growth can occur in one eye or both.

Pterygium isn’t dangerous and normally doesn’t cause any problems with your health or vision. It can, however, feel slightly irritating or eventually interfere with the clarity of your vision if it spreads too far. In this case, you may need surgical treatment.

Causes

Pterygium is often caused by prolonged exposure to UV light, wind, dust, or dry conditions that outdoor enthusiasts encounter in sunny and windy environments. It’s especially common among surfers, hence the name “surfer’s eye.”

You may be more likely to experience pterygium if you live and spend a lot of time outside in the southern states within the “pterygium belt” (the area between 37 degrees north and south of the equator).

Other risk factors may include:

  • Outdoor occupation
  • Older age
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Human papillomavirus
  • Genetics

Symptoms

Pterygium may not cause any noticeable symptoms besides the appearance of a growth on your eye. The first thing you might notice is increased redness in the affected area.

Symptoms may include:

  • A raised, pink area on the white of your eye
  • Redness
  • Irritation or dryness
  • Watery eyes
  • A sensation of something in the eye
  • Visual disturbances in more advanced cases

Diagnosis

Your eye doctor may perform a number of tests to ensure a proper diagnosis and determine how advanced your tissue growth is.

These tests might include:

  • Visual acuity
  • Eye movement control
  • Tear production
  • Slit lamp eye structure examination
  • 3D imaging

Pterygium grades are identified based on the amount of growth.

  • Grade 1: The growth covers the white part of your eye and touches into the iris.
  • Grade 2: The growth extends halfway across the iris en route to the pupil.
  • Grade 3: The growth covers the distance across your iris and continues into the pupil.

Treatment Options

Pterygium doesn’t always need treatment. If you aren’t having any discomfort, pain, or vision changes, your eye doctor may just monitor the area for growth and changes.

Treatment usually involves eye drops or ointments to help relieve any symptoms. If you have occasional symptoms of irritation, redness, or swelling, over-the-counter eye drops and ointments are often recommended. A doctor can also prescribe steroid drops.

In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove a growth that’s affecting your vision or causing significant discomfort. You may also opt for surgical removal if the appearance of the growth bothers you.

Take charge of your eye health—schedule your annual eye exam through Visionworks today.

Frequently Asked Questions