Quick answer
A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of thickened conjunctival tissue that extends from the white of the eye onto the clear cornea. UV light exposure is the primary driver, so it is most common in people who spend significant time outdoors. It may stay stable or slowly grow towards the pupil and threaten vision.
What is Pterygium?
A pterygium (pronounced ter-IJ-ee-um) is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of thickened conjunctival tissue that extends from the white of the eye (sclera) onto the clear cornea. It is most common in people who have spent significant time outdoors in sunny, dusty, or windy environments — UV light is the primary driver. A pterygium may remain stable for years, or it may slowly grow towards the pupil, threatening vision. Surgical removal is curative, though recurrence is possible.
What are the symptoms of Pterygium?
- A visible pink or reddish fleshy growth on the white of the eye, usually on the nasal side
- Redness, irritation or a gritty sensation
- Blurred vision if the growth encroaches on the cornea
- Induced astigmatism as the growth distorts the corneal surface
- Dry eye symptoms
What causes Pterygium?
- Chronic UV light exposure — the dominant risk factor
- Wind, dust and low humidity — occupational and environmental exposure
- Genetic susceptibility
How is Pterygium diagnosed?
Slit-lamp examination. Corneal topography is useful to quantify the degree of astigmatism induced by the pterygium and to guide timing of surgery.
How is Pterygium treated?
Lubricating eye drops and UV-protective sunglasses manage mild symptoms. Surgical excision is recommended when the pterygium threatens the visual axis, causes significant astigmatism or cosmetic concern, or symptoms are poorly controlled. Conjunctival autografting (taking tissue from under the upper eyelid to cover the excision site) reduces recurrence rates to under 5%.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of a pterygium?
A pterygium usually appears as a visible pink or reddish fleshy growth on the white of the eye, typically on the nasal side. It can cause redness, irritation or a gritty sensation, and dry eye symptoms. If it encroaches on the cornea it may blur vision and induce astigmatism by distorting the corneal surface.
What causes a pterygium to develop?
Chronic UV light exposure is the dominant risk factor, which is why pterygium is most common in people who spend significant time outdoors. Wind, dust and low humidity, often through occupational and environmental exposure, also contribute. Genetic susceptibility can play a part, making some people more prone to developing the growth than others.
When is surgery needed for a pterygium?
Lubricating eye drops and UV-protective sunglasses manage mild symptoms. Surgical excision is recommended when the pterygium threatens the visual axis, causes significant astigmatism or cosmetic concern, or symptoms are poorly controlled. Conjunctival autografting, taking tissue from under the upper eyelid to cover the excision site, reduces recurrence rates to under 5%.
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