Pterygium Specialist

What is a pterygium?

A pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue (has blood vessels) that may start as a small yellowish raised growth on the white part of the eye. It can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea. When this happens, it can affect your vision.

Is having a pterygium dangerous?

No. A pterygium is a benign non-cancerous growth believed to be caused by a combination of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, wind, and dust. Sometimes you can experience dry, itchy, burning eyes, or feeling like sand or grit is stuck in your eye. In most cases, pterygium does not need to be treated. However, if your eyes are uncomfortable or your vision is affected, you may need treatment.

Can I get a pterygium removed?

Yes. If a pterygium grows large enough to cause problems, our ophthalmologists may recommend surgery to remove it. Once the pterygium is excised, our surgeons will transplant a thin piece of normal tissue onto the affected area. This technique helps reduce the chance that your pterygium will grow back.