Pterygium is a non-cancerous, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) that gradually extends onto the cornea. It forms when the eye’s surface is repeatedly stressed and inflamed, typically by sunlight and the environment. Individuals with high UV light exposure, frequent dust and wind irritation, outdoor careers, or regular participation in water sports (for example, surfing or fishing) are at greater risk, especially those who have lived in hotter, drier climates nearer the equator.
Common signs include redness, dryness, irritation or a “gritty” sensation; as the tissue advances onto the cornea it can distort its shape, leading to astigmatism and blurred vision. Pterygium is benign, but it can keep growing; early care focuses on lubrication and UV protection, while surgery is recommended if it affects vision, causes persistent discomfort, or for cosmetic reasons.
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A pterygium can be symptom-free at first, but common signs include:
Redness or visible inflammation on the white of the eye
Irritation, dryness or a gritty/foreign-body sensation
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Visual disturbance from an uneven corneal surface, sometimes changing your glasses prescription
In more advanced cases, the tissue can extend toward the pupil and cover the central cornea, significantly blocking vision.
Treatment is advised if you have ongoing discomfort, redness, recurrent inflammation, cosmetic concern, or vision changes (including astigmatism or corneal encroachment).
Treatment options
Lubricating eye drops – Help relieve dryness, irritation and the “gritty” sensation.
Short course of anti-inflammatory drops (steroid or NSAID) – Used under specialist supervision to calm flare-ups.
Surgery (excision with conjunctival autograft) – Recommended if the growth threatens or reduces vision, causes persistent symptoms, or for cosmetic reasons.
UV protection (wrap-around sunglasses, hats) is advised at all stages to reduce irritation and help prevent progression.
Pterygium surgery is a day-case procedure performed under topical drops or a small local anaesthetic injection. You’re awake, the eye is draped, and a gentle speculum keeps the lids open while the surgeon carefully removes the growth from the cornea and sclera.
To prevent regrowth and speed healing, a thin conjunctival autograft from the same eye is placed over the bare area and secured with fibrin glue or fine dissolving stitches. The cornea is left to heal naturally or covered with a bandage contact lens for comfort. Most procedures take around 30–60 minutes.
EuroEyes London: day-case pterygium surgery that relieves irritation, sharpens vision, and reduces recurrence.
After surgery, your eye will be protected with a taped pad or shield, usually kept on until the following morning. You’ll go home with antibiotic eye drops to help prevent infection, plus clear discharge instructions and contact details should you have any questions (we’ll also provide a leaflet). Most patients are ready to leave the clinic within 20–30 minutes of the procedure.
After pterygium surgery, mild pain or soreness is common for a few days and usually settles with standard painkillers. Expect redness for 2–3 weeks as the eye heals; you’ll use prescribed antibiotic drops (infection risk is very low, under 1 in 1,000) and steroid drops to calm inflammation. A bandage contact lens may be left in place until your follow-up, don’t try to reinsert it if it comes out; contact the clinic. You may also need lubricating drops while the corneal surface smooths.
The table below highlights the difference between symptoms you can usually manage at home and those that signal it’s time to book a consultation at EuroEyes London. It’s a quick way to understand what’s normal, what needs attention, and when early treatment can prevent bigger problems later on.
| Symptom | Usually OK to Self-Care / Monitor | Book a EuroEyes Consultation |
|---|---|---|
| Mild redness/irritation | Lubricating drops, UV protection, avoid wind/dust; improves within days. | Redness persists >2–3 weeks or worsens despite self-care. |
| Dry, gritty sensation | Use artificial tears regularly; consider wrap-around sunglasses. | Ongoing discomfort affecting daily life or work. |
| Cosmetic change (visible growth) | Stable appearance with no vision change. | Increasing size or growing closer to the pupil. |
| Blurred or fluctuating vision | Temporary blur after irritation that clears with rest/lubrication. | Persistent blur, new astigmatism, or difficulty with driving/reading. |
| Recurrent inflammation | Occasional mild flare-ups that settle with drops. | Frequent flares needing stronger drops or impacting comfort. |
| Encroaching towards pupil | - | Growth advancing onto central cornea or affecting glasses prescription. |
| Bandage contact lens issue (post-op) | Lens comfortable and in place until follow-up. | Lens falls out or causes pain, do not reinsert; contact the clinic. |
| Pain | Mild soreness for a few days managed with standard pain relief. | Severe pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden vision drop. |
A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) wedge of tissue that grows from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. It can cause redness, irritation, and if it advances, blurred vision or astigmatism.
Not necessarily. Mild cases are managed with lubricating and anti-inflammatory drops plus UV protection. Surgery is recommended if it affects vision, causes persistent symptoms, or for cosmetic reasons.
It’s a day-case procedure under topical or local anaesthetic. The growth is removed and the area covered with a thin conjunctival autograft from the same eye, secured with fibrin glue or fine dissolving stitches to reduce recurrence.
Expect a few days of soreness and 2–3 weeks of redness. You’ll use antibiotic and steroid drops; some patients wear a bandage contact lens until their follow-up. Most return to desk work in a few days, your surgeon will advise for your role.
There is a small risk of recurrence with any surgery. Using an autograft, protecting from UV (wrap-around sunglasses/hat), and following your drop regime help keep that risk low.
Limit UV exposure (sunglasses, hats), avoid irritants like dust and wind where possible, use lubricating drops in dry conditions, and attend regular checks, especially if you spend time outdoors or on the water.
