Pterygium Removal

Treating pterygium to preserve vision

BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists diagnoses and treats pterygium, an abnormal growth on the cornea. A pterygium is a visible pinkish growth on the cornea. As it grows, it may affect vision, either by obstructing the visual axis or by causing astigmatism.

It is more common among people ages 20 to 40 who spend a lot of time outdoors.

How is pterygium treated?

When pterygium growth affects vision, the pterygium should be surgically removed.

After a pterygium is surgically removed, it is unlikely to grow back.

What does pterygium surgery involve?

Pterygium tissue is removed from the cornea and the white of the eye. That leaves a space in the tissue on the surface of the eye. The space is repaired with a tissue graft taken from the eye surface under the eyelid. The graft is held in place with surgical glue made of natural clotting proteins.

Pterygium surgery typically lasts about an hour. People having pterygium surgery are lightly sedated.

What happens after pterygium surgery?

Because of the sedation, people who have pterygium surgery will need a ride home after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed if needed.

People who have pterygium surgery typically can return to work in one or two days.

Redness or irritation in the eye should disappear within two to four weeks.