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Pterygium Surgery

A pterygium is a growth that can develop along the surface of the eye. As it spreads, it can distort or obstruct vision, and can even cause astigmatism. Dr. Tory Prestera and Dr. Howard Guan can treat and eliminate pterygia carefully and effectively with pterygium surgery. 

What Causes a Pterygium?

It is believed that overexposure to UV rays is the primary cause for the development of a pterygium, although living in dry or dusty climates may also be a contributing factor. This is why a pterygium is often referred to as a “surfer’s eye.” Living in the North County area of San Diego, where we are close to the beach and enjoy plenty of sun throughout the year, it is important to protect our eyes with sunglasses to help prevent pterygia and other potential damage.

What Are Symptoms of a Pterygium?

A pterygium is often characterized by a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye. Common symptoms include a noticeable growth on the white of the eye, which may become red and irritated. Patients often experience a gritty or burning sensation, as well as itchiness and dryness in the affected eye. As the pterygium grows, it can cause discomfort or a feeling of having a foreign object in the eye. In more advanced cases, the growth may extend over the cornea and potentially affect vision by altering the shape of the cornea, leading to astigmatism.

How Is a Pterygium Treated?

In cases where the pterygium is causing minor irritation and has not yet affected the cornea or obstructed a patient’s vision, it can often be possible to treat with non-surgical means, such as eye drops or ointments. However, larger pterygia that are causing vision impairment and significant discomfort will likely require surgical intervention.

Pterygium surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed by Dr. Prestera or Dr. Guan. The procedure itself only takes about 30-45 minutes to complete, but you will need to arrange transportation to and from your surgery, since light sedation will be used. Individuals who wear contact lenses may be asked to refrain from wearing lenses for at least 24 hours prior to pterygium surgery.

Once the pterygium has been removed, Dr. Prestera or Dr. Guan will carefully place a graft over the affected area to help minimize the chance of regrowth. Unfortunately, pterygia tend to have a high rate of recurrence, so Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan recommend taking steps to protect your eyes from further exposure to UV rays, dust, and wind to reduce the chance of developing another pterygium.

Will I Have Scars After Pterygium Surgery? 

After pterygium surgery, a relatively small, whitish scar may be visible on the eye, but it is often barely noticeable. The extent of residual scarring will largely depend on the specific surgical technique used and individual healing responses. Modern surgical methods and techniques, including grafting tissue to the surgical site, can help reduce the risk of recurrence and minimize scarring. Typically, any scarring that does occur is minor and may become less noticeable over time. Post-surgical care can help manage and reduce the appearance of scars. It is essential to follow Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan’s recommendations closely to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize cosmetic concerns.

What Is Recovery From Pterygium Surgery Like?

Following pterygium surgery, patients must wear a protective eye patch for a few hours. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Prestera or Dr. Guan will be scheduled for the day after surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery, but the remainder of the day should be spent relaxing at home. Most patients experience minimal discomfort after pterygium surgery, but any swelling or pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications and ice packs. Your surgeon can provide you with specific post-operative instructions based on your individual needs, but in general, patients can expect to resume most or all of their regular routine approximately a week after surgery.

Additional Pterygium Surgery FAQs 

What is the difference between a pterygium and a cataract? 

A pterygium and a cataract represent very distinct eye conditions. A pterygium involves a growth of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, which can eventually extend over the cornea, causing irritation and potentially affecting vision. Cataracts, on the other hand, are characterized by the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred or dim vision that progressively worsens over time. While a pterygium is primarily related to exposure to UV light and environmental irritants, cataracts typically result from aging, though other factors such as diabetes and UV exposure can also contribute. Treatment for each condition differs significantly, reflecting their different causes and impacts on vision. 

Are there side effects to pterygium surgery? 

Pterygium surgery can have side effects, although they are generally manageable. Common side effects include discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye area shortly after the procedure. There is also a risk of recurrence of the pterygium. Less common but more serious side effects may include infection or excessive scarring, which can affect vision. Rarely, the surgery might induce astigmatism due to changes in the corneal shape. Post-operative care is crucial to minimize these risks, and following instructions for medications and eye care is essential for a successful recovery. 

Can I wear contacts if I have a pterygium? 

You can wear contact lenses if you have a pterygium, but with caution. The presence of a pterygium may cause discomfort or irritation when wearing contacts, especially if the growth encroaches onto the cornea where the lens sits. It is important to consult with an eye care professional who can assess the size and location of the pterygium and advise on the best type of contact lenses. In some cases, special lenses may be recommended to accommodate the condition and reduce discomfort. Regular follow-ups are essential to ensure the pterygium is not worsening due to contact lens wear.

Contact Prestera Eye Medical Group

If you are experiencing eye irritation and suspect you may be suffering from a pterygium, please contact Prestera Eye Medical Group today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Prestera or Dr. Guan.