Pterygium

A pterygium is a fleshy growth of tissue from the surface of the eye that extends onto the cornea and can cause irritation and, if large enough, blurred vision.

Common symptoms

A visible pink or red wedge of tissue on the white of the eye, a gritty or foreign body feeling, redness, and blurred or distorted vision if it reaches across the cornea.

Description

A pterygium usually starts as a thickening on the conjunctiva, the clear layer covering the white of the eye, and can slowly grow onto the cornea. It is strongly linked to long-term sun exposure and is sometimes called "surfer's eye".

Small pterygia often cause only mild cosmetic or comfort symptoms. Larger ones can distort the shape of the cornea and induce astigmatism, and if they grow across the pupil they can block vision directly. They tend to progress slowly and can become inflamed intermittently.

Mild cases are managed with lubricant drops, sun protection such as wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, and sometimes short courses of anti-inflammatory drops. Surgical removal with a graft can be considered if the pterygium affects vision, comfort, or appearance, although recurrence is possible.