ConditionEyes & vision
Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)
A pterygium is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of pink, fleshy tissue that starts on the white of the eye, usually on the side nearest the nose, and grows onto the cornea. It is non-cancerous and is strongly linked to long-term ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, wind and dust, which is why it is called "surfer's eye." It can cause redness, irritation and a gritty feeling. Large ones can distort the cornea and blur vision. Lubricating drops ease symptoms, and surgery removes pterygia that affect vision or comfort.
Also called: Surfer's eye, pterygium conjunctivae
At a glance
- What it is
- A benign, wedge-shaped growth of conjunctiva onto the cornea.
- Main cause
- Long-term UV exposure, plus wind, dust and dry conditions.
- Who gets it
- Adults 20 to 50 who spend time outdoors, especially in sunny climates near the equator.
- Symptoms
- Visible growth, redness, irritation, gritty feeling, blurred vision if large.
- Treatment
- Lubricating drops, short courses of anti-inflammatory drops, surgery with a tissue graft for larger ones.
When to get help
See a doctor within a day or two
- A painful red eye with blurred vision or light sensitivity
- A growth on the eye that is rapidly enlarging, has an unusual color, prominent blood vessels or bleeds
- A growth on the eye that is not in the typical inner-corner position
Book a routine appointment
- A fleshy growth on the white of the eye extending onto the clear cornea
- A known pterygium causing blurred vision, changing glasses prescription or frequent irritation
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Usually safe to manage at home
- A small, stable pterygium with mild irritation, managed with lubricating drops and sunglasses
What a pterygium looks like
- a triangular or wing-shaped growth, with the point (head) facing the center of the eye
- usually on the inner (nose) side of the eye, sometimes on the outer side, and can occur in both eyes
- pink or red, with visible blood vessels
- grows slowly over months to years; may stop growing
Pterygium vs pinguecula
| Pterygium | Pinguecula | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Extends onto the cornea | Stays on the white of the eye |
| Appearance | Pink, fleshy, wedge-shaped | Yellowish, raised bump |
| Cause | UV, wind, dust | UV, wind, dust, aging |
| Effect on vision | Can cause astigmatism and blur | Does not affect vision |
A pinguecula can sometimes develop into a pterygium.
Symptoms
- eye redness and visible growth
- irritation, burning or itching
- gritty or foreign-body sensation
- watering
- dry eye symptoms
- blurred vision if the pterygium distorts the cornea (inducing astigmatism) or grows toward the pupil
- difficulty wearing contact lenses
Some small pterygia cause no symptoms.
Causes and risk factors
- UV light: the strongest risk factor; more common the closer people live to the equator
- outdoor work and activities: surfing, sailing, farming, construction, fishing
- wind, dust, sand and dry climates
- male sex, ages 20 to 50
- possibly genetics
Diagnosis
An eye doctor diagnoses a pterygium with a slit lamp examination. Corneal topography measures any astigmatism. Photographs help track growth. Unusual-looking growths may be biopsied to rule out ocular surface squamous neoplasia, a precancerous or cancerous growth that can look similar.
Treatment
Symptom relief
- lubricating eye drops or gels (artificial tears) several times a day
- short courses of steroid or NSAID eye drops for inflamed, red pterygia, prescribed by an eye doctor
- sunglasses to protect from UV and wind
Surgery
Surgery is considered when the pterygium:
- threatens or affects vision by encroaching on the pupil or causing astigmatism
- causes persistent irritation
- interferes with contact lens wear
- is cosmetically troubling
The pterygium is removed and the area is covered with a conjunctival autograft (a small piece of healthy conjunctiva from under the upper eyelid), held with tissue glue or stitches. This greatly lowers the chance of regrowth compared with removal alone. Mitomycin C or amniotic membrane may also be used. Recovery takes a few weeks, with eye drops afterward.
Recurrence is possible, particularly with continued UV exposure, and recurrent pterygia can be more aggressive.
Prevention
- wear wraparound sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB
- wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- use lubricating drops in dry, windy or dusty conditions
- protect eyes during water sports and outdoor work
Frequently asked questions
What causes pterygium?
The main cause is long-term exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, along with wind, dust and dry conditions. It is common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny climates.
Is pterygium dangerous?
No. A pterygium is not cancerous. It can cause irritation and, if large, blurred vision. Any eye growth that looks unusual, grows quickly or bleeds should be checked to rule out other conditions.
Can a pterygium go away on its own?
No. Eye drops relieve symptoms and inflammation, but they do not make the growth disappear. Surgery is the only way to remove it. Sun protection can help prevent it from growing.
Will pterygium come back after surgery?
It can. Using a conjunctival graft during surgery significantly reduces recurrence. Protecting your eyes from UV light and wind afterward also lowers the risk.
Sources
This guide was written from current patient and clinical guidance, including:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: What is a pterygium?; Pinguecula and pterygium (surfer's eye)
- MedlinePlus: Pterygium
- NHS Inform: Pterygium
- American Optometric Association: Pterygium
- EyeWiki (AAO): Pterygium