Pterygium (Surfer's Eye): Causes and Treatment

What Is a Pterygium?

A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fleshy, fibrous tissue that forms on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye. It typically starts near the inner corner of the eye and can slowly grow across the surface toward the cornea, sometimes taking on a triangular or wing-like shape, which is where its name comes from — the Greek word for "wing."

A closely related, usually smaller growth called a pinguecula can also form on the conjunctiva and shares many of the same causes. A pinguecula typically stays confined to the white of the eye and doesn't grow onto the cornea the way a pterygium can, but either one is worth having an eye doctor look at if it appears or starts changing.

What Causes It

Pterygium is strongly associated with long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as wind, dust, and dry conditions. This is why it is seen so often in people who spend a lot of time outdoors without eye protection — farmers, fishermen, outdoor laborers, and yes, surfers, who gave the condition its common nickname. Genetics may also play a role, since pterygium can run in families with similar outdoor exposure patterns.

Living in a region with intense sunlight for much of the year, as is the case across large parts of India, naturally raises everyone's lifetime UV exposure, which is one reason eye doctors in such climates place particular emphasis on sun protection habits for anyone who spends significant time outdoors.

Symptoms to Watch For

• A visible pink or whitish fleshy growth on the white of the eye, usually near the nose side
• Redness and irritation
• A feeling of grittiness or something being in the eye
• Mild to moderate dryness
• Blurred or distorted vision if the growth extends onto the cornea

Some pterygia stay small and completely stable for years without ever needing treatment, while others grow at a noticeably faster pace. There's no reliable way to predict in advance which path a particular growth will take, which is why periodic review by an eye doctor is useful even for ones that seem to be behaving well.

Prevention

Since UV exposure is the single biggest known risk factor, the most effective prevention is consistent, good-quality UV protection outdoors.

• Wear sunglasses that block UV light whenever you're outdoors for extended periods
• Consider a wide-brimmed hat for additional shade
• Use lubricating eye drops if you work in dusty or windy environments
• Avoid rubbing irritated eyes, which can worsen inflammation

Treatment and When Surgery Is Needed

Small, stable pterygia that aren't causing significant symptoms often just need lubricating drops to manage dryness and irritation, along with ongoing sun protection to slow further growth. Surgery is usually recommended when the growth is large, growing steadily toward the centre of the cornea, causing persistent discomfort, or affecting vision. Surgical removal is generally a straightforward outpatient procedure, and your surgeon may use a small graft of your own conjunctival tissue to reduce the chance of the pterygium coming back.

If you've noticed a growth on the white of your eye that seems to be getting larger or more irritated over time, it's worth having it examined even before it reaches the point of affecting your vision — your ophthalmologist can advise whether simple monitoring is enough for now or whether it's the right time to consider removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.