TL;DR
Pterygium (pronounced teh-RIJ-ee-um) is more common than most people realise, and for many, it causes little more than mild irritation. That said, it’s not something to ignore entirely.
Here’s what pterygium actually is, what causes it, and when it warrants medical attention.
What is pterygium?
Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of fleshy, pinkish tissue that develops on the conjunctiva – the thin, transparent membrane covering the white of the eye. It typically starts at the inner corner (the side closest to the nose) and can slowly grow across the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
It’s sometimes called surfer’s eye because it’s strongly associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust – conditions that surfers, sailors, skiers, and outdoor workers encounter regularly. However, you don’t need to have spent your life on a surfboard to develop one. Anyone who spends significant time outdoors without adequate eye protection is at risk.
What causes it?
The primary driver is UV exposure. Chronic, unprotected exposure to sunlight causes the conjunctival tissue to thicken and grow abnormally. Dry, windy environments and exposure to dust or sand accelerate the process by causing repeated low-level irritation to the eye’s surface.
Pterygium is more common in people who live or work in sunny climates, at high altitudes, or near reflective surfaces like water and snow. It tends to develop in adults over 30, though it can appear earlier in those with high lifetime UV exposure.
What does it feel like?
Many people with pterygium experience little in the way of symptoms, particularly in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they typically include:
- A visible pink or reddish growth on the white of the eye
- A persistent feeling of grittiness or a foreign body in the eye
- Dryness or itching
- Redness, particularly during periods of irritation
- Occasional blurred vision if the growth extends toward the centre of the cornea
Some people find their pterygium flares up in certain conditions – after a day in the sun, in air conditioning, or during allergy season – and settles down again at other times.
When does pterygium become dangerous?
For most people, pterygium remains a stable, manageable condition. But there are circumstances where it becomes more of a concern.
When it encroaches on the cornea
If the growth extends far enough across the cornea to reach the pupil, it can begin to distort the shape of the cornea and cause astigmatism – irregular blurring of vision that glasses or contact lenses may not fully correct. At this stage, the impact on vision can become significant.
When it causes persistent discomfort
A pterygium that is constantly red, inflamed, or causing ongoing irritation affects quality of life and warrants treatment – both to manage symptoms and to monitor for progression.
When vision is measurably affected
If visual acuity begins to decline as a result of the growth, surgical removal is usually recommended. This is a relatively straightforward outpatient procedure with a good success rate, though there is a possibility of recurrence, particularly in younger patients or those who continue to have high UV exposure.
When it’s mistaken for something else
Not every growth on the eye is a pterygium. A similar-looking condition called a pinguecula (a yellowish deposit on the conjunctiva that doesn’t extend onto the cornea) is even more common and rarely requires treatment. However, any new or changing growth on the eye should be assessed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to rule out more serious conditions, including conjunctival tumours.
How is it treated?
There is no eye drop or supplement that will shrink a pterygium once it has formed. Management depends on its size, rate of growth, and the symptoms it’s causing.
For mild cases: Lubricating eye drops help manage dryness and irritation. Anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed during flare-ups. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses reduces further progression – ideally wraparound styles that block UV from all angles.
For moderate to advanced cases: Surgical removal is the main option when vision is affected or discomfort is persistent. The procedure involves removing the growth and using a graft of conjunctival tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Can pterygium be prevented?
To a significant degree, yes.
Since UV exposure is the primary cause, the same protective measures that safeguard against cataracts and macular degeneration also reduce pterygium risk:
- Wearing UV400 or CE-marked sunglasses whenever outdoors
- Using a wide-brimmed hat for additional shade
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses in particularly exposed environments – on the water, at altitude, or in sandy or dusty conditions
- Using lubricating drops in dry or windy conditions to reduce surface irritation
It’s also worth remembering that UV rays penetrate clouds, so protection matters even on overcast days.
The connection to broader eye health
Pterygium is a useful reminder that the eyes are constantly exposed to environmental stressors – and that the cumulative effects of UV exposure, oxidative stress, and inflammation show up in multiple ways over a lifetime, not just as macular degeneration.
If you’ve noticed a growth on your eye, or it’s been a while since your last check-up, it’s always worth getting it looked at.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you notice any new or changing growth on your eye, please speak with your optometrist or GP.
