UV radiation (usually from sunlight) is the most common cause of pterygium. This explains why pterygium occurs with increasing frequency in climates approaching the equator as more exposed to ultraviolet light. Other causes of the benign growth include continuous exposure to dry, dusty environments. People who spend significant time in water sports (surfing or fishing) are particularly susceptible to pterygium because of the intense exposure to UV that occurs in these environments.

Regularly wear UV 400 rated sunglasses when outdoors in sunny conditions. Sunglasses with a wrap-around design provide better protection than those with large gaps between the sunglass frame and the skin around the eyes. Wearing a hat with a wide brim provides valuable additional protection.

Usually, the operation is done as a day case. You will go home wearing an eye shield which must be left in place for 24 hours to prevent infection. Your eye will be quite sore for about a week after the operation to remove the benign growth. Redness of the eye will take a few weeks, usually 2 to 3 weeks to clear. You should not swim until after your follow up appointment and should take care not to poke or rub your eye. You may need at least a week off work, and off driving, so please ask Laser Vision for a certificate if you need one.

There are a number of things to expect after this procedure, including: Pain, redness, infection, an uneven surface of the eye, scarring, recurrence – this is much less common with modern techniques, but is occasionally troublesome. Re-operation may be possible.

Pterygium surgery takes around 30 minutes and is usually performed under local anaesthetic

Pterygium can be comfortably managed with lubricating steroid eye drops if your vision is unaffected and you are only experiencing mild irritation. If the Pterygium is compromising your sight, is feeling uncomfortable or is causing a cosmetic concern, your Laser Vision doctor may feel that surgical intervention is appropriate