If you’ve noticed a small growth on the white part of your eye or keep dealing with irritation that doesn’t improve, it may be a condition called pterygium. This eye problem is fairly common and is often linked to sun exposure, wind, and dry environments. In this blog, we’ll explain what a pterygium is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
What is a Pterygium?
A pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is a fleshy, triangular growth from the white part (conjunctiva) of the eye onto the clear cornea. It often starts near the inner corner and can slowly grow onto the cornea, the transparent front part of your eye. This happens mostly due to too much exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust. While it usually doesn’t hurt, it can make your eye feel dry, itchy, or irritated. In some cases, it may affect your vision or cause blurriness. Wearing sunglasses when you’re outdoors can help protect your eyes, and if the growth gets too big, your doctor might suggest surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Pterygium?
If you have pterygium, your eyes might start showing some signs that feel uncomfortable or strange. Here’s what you may notice:
-
Redness and Inflammation
Your eye might look red more often than usual, especially on the white part near the corner. This happens because the growth irritates the eye and causes inflammation. The redness might not go away even after resting.
-
Feeling Like Something Is in Your Eye
You may constantly feel like there’s dust, an eyelash, or some small particle stuck in your eye, even when nothing is actually there. This foreign body sensation can make you want to rub your eyes, which might make things worse.
-
Itching and Irritation
The affected eye can get quite itchy or irritated throughout the day. Bright lights, dry weather, or smoke may make it worse. You might also feel a burning or stinging sensation now and then.
-
Dryness and a Gritty Feeling
Many people with pterygium feel like their eyes are dry and gritty. It’s similar to the feeling you get when you’ve been in the wind or sun too long. Artificial tears may help for a while, but the discomfort often returns.
-
Blurred or Distorted Vision
If the growth spreads far enough over the cornea, it can change the shape of the eye’s surface. This can lead to blurry or distorted vision. You may find it harder to read, focus, or see clearly in certain lighting.
What Causes Pterygium?
Here’s what usually causes pterygium:
- Chronic Eye Irritation – Prolonged exposure to dust, wind, or dry air can irritate the eyes. Over time, repeated irritation and inflammation may lead to abnormal tissue growth, causing pterygium.
- Genetic Predisposition – Sometimes, it runs in the family. If your parents or close relatives have had pterygium, there’s a chance you might develop it too.
- Hot, Dry Climates – Living in hot, dry regions of California can increase the risk of this condition due to low humidity and intense sun exposure that reduces natural eye moisture and damages the eye’s surface.
- Occupational Exposure – Jobs involving outdoor, dusty, or chemical exposure can strain the eyes over time, increasing the risk of pterygium without proper eye protection.
How is a Pterygium Diagnosed?
If you’re dealing with irritation, redness, or a visible growth in your eye, your doctor might check for a pterygium. Here’s how the diagnosis usually works:
-
Patient History
Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms. This includes any redness, dryness, irritation, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye. They’ll also ask if you spend a lot of time in the sun or around wind and dust, which are common triggers.
-
Visual Acuity Test
This is the standard eye chart test to check if your vision has been affected. If your eyesight is blurry or inconsistent, it could point to a growing pterygium.
-
Slit Lamp Examination
This is the main diagnostic step. The doctor uses a special microscope with a narrow beam of light to take a close look at your eye. It helps them see exactly where the growth is, how large it is, and if it’s spreading to the cornea.
-
Imaging (Only If Needed)
Sometimes, your doctor might recommend further tests:
- Photodocumentation: Photos are taken to track the growth over time.
- Corneal Topography: A scan maps the surface of your cornea to see if the pterygium is changing its shape or affecting your vision.
-
Biopsy (Rare Cases)
In rare cases, if the growth looks unusual or suspicious, the doctor may take a small tissue sample to rule out anything serious, like eye cancer.
Worried about eye changes? Get a full eye exam with Insight Vision Center for expert care.
Treatment Options for Pterygium
Once a pterygium is diagnosed, treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Here are the options your doctor may suggest:
-
Eye Drops
Lubricating drops, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, can relieve dryness and irritation. These are usually the first step if the growth is small and not causing vision problems.
-
Gel
Eye gels offer longer-lasting moisture than drops. They’re especially helpful at night or if your eyes feel dry most of the day.
-
Ointment
Similar to gels, ointments provide soothing relief. Some also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that help with redness and swelling.
-
Surgery
If the pterygium grows too big, affects your vision, or keeps coming back after treatment, your doctor might recommend surgery. The procedure removes the growth and often includes grafting healthy tissue to reduce the chances of it returning. Surgery is quick, and recovery is usually smooth.
Get a Proper Diagnosis for Pterygium at InSight Vision Center in California.
If you’re noticing a raised, pinkish growth on the white part of your eye, especially near the nose side, it could be a pterygium. While it may seem minor at first, it can grow and start affecting your vision. That’s why it’s important to get it checked by a trusted eye care professional.
At InSight Vision Center in California, we offer comprehensive eye exams that can detect pterygium early and guide you toward the right treatment.
When you visit us, your eye exam begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Then we run a series of painless tests to check your overall eye health. These include:
- Visual acuity tests to check how clearly you see
- A slit-lamp examination to look closely at the eye’s surface
- Measurement of eye pressure
- Evaluation of the cornea and surrounding tissues for any abnormal growths
Our experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists take their time to explain each step and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Once we confirm whether or not you have pterygium, our doctor will walk you through a personalised treatment plan. This might include prescription eye drops, protective eyewear, or, in some cases, a minor surgical procedure to remove the growth. Our goal is to preserve your vision and keep your eyes healthy for the long term.
Take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision with expert eye care in California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dr. Azhar I. Salahuddin is an ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery. Dr. Salahuddin has been performing cataract surgery for over 19 years and specializes ocular reconstruction, corneal transplantation surgery as well as vision correction through a variety of intraocular lenses. Dr. Salahuddin is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was trained at Boston University.
