What Is Pterygium? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Created: 27.03.2025 · Last Updated: 03.08.2026 · Category: Ophthalmology · Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

What Is Pterygium?

Pterygium is a common eye surface condition. It is often called “surfer’s eye” or a “fleshy growth on the eye.” It is a triangular tissue growth that begins on the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva, and may extend toward the cornea.

It usually appears on the side of the eye closer to the nose. At first, it may cause only cosmetic concern or mild redness and irritation; however, when it grows onto the cornea, it may induce astigmatism, blurred vision or affect the visual axis.

Important Information: Pterygium is often a benign ocular surface growth; however, its growth rate, degree of corneal extension and effect on vision should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

What Causes Pterygium?

Although the exact cause is not fully known, long-term exposure of the ocular surface to environmental factors is considered important. Main risk factors include:

  • Intense and long-term exposure to UV light
  • Living or working in dusty, windy and dry environments
  • Dry eye and chronic ocular surface irritation
  • Long periods of outdoor work or outdoor sports
  • Genetic predisposition and family history

Who Gets Pterygium?

Pterygium may occur at any age, but it is more common in people who are exposed to sunlight, dust and wind for long periods. Outdoor workers, people in agriculture or maritime occupations, those living in dry and hot climates and people who do not regularly use UV protection may be at higher risk.

In people with insufficient tear production, the ocular surface may become more vulnerable and more easily affected by external factors. People with a family history of pterygium may also have a higher likelihood of developing it.

You can contact us for evaluation if you notice a fleshy growth, redness, irritation or blurred vision.

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What Are the Symptoms of Pterygium?

Pterygium usually progresses slowly. It may not affect vision at first, but ocular surface complaints may increase over time.

  • Redness, itching, stinging and burning in the eye
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Visible fleshy growth, especially near the nasal side of the eye
  • Dry eye and tearing
  • Light sensitivity or chronic irritation
  • Astigmatism, blurred vision or visual disturbance if it extends onto the cornea

How Is Pterygium Treated?

Treatment is planned according to the degree of progression, corneal extension, effect on vision and the patient’s symptoms.

Medication and Eye Drops

In mild cases, artificial tears and physician-recommended eye drops may be used to reduce redness, stinging and irritation. Antihistamine drops may be used if allergic symptoms are present; short-term anti-inflammatory or steroid drops should be used only under medical supervision. These methods may reduce symptoms but do not completely remove the pterygium tissue.

Surgical Treatment

If the pterygium has enlarged and progressed onto the cornea, affects vision, induces astigmatism, causes recurrent irritation or creates significant cosmetic concern, surgical removal may be considered. The decision for surgery should consider eye examination findings, corneal involvement and recurrence risk.

Recovery After Surgery

After surgery, mild stinging, tearing, redness and foreign body sensation may occur. These symptoms are monitored with physician-prescribed drops, protective measures and follow-up examinations. Recovery time may vary depending on the surgical technique, size of the pterygium and ocular surface status.

Pterygium can recur after surgery. For this reason, UV-protective sunglasses, protection from dust and wind, treatment of dry eye and regular follow-up visits are important.

How to Prevent Pterygium

  • Use UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Prefer a wide-brimmed hat in sunny weather.
  • Use protective eyewear in dusty and windy environments.
  • If you have dry eye, use artificial tears and appropriate treatments as recommended by your physician.
  • Avoid rubbing the eyes and irritating environments when possible.
  • Have regular eye examinations.

When detected and followed early, pterygium can often be managed without serious problems. However, if neglected, it may progress onto the cornea and affect vision. If you notice abnormal tissue, persistent redness or blurred vision, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist.

A Fleshy Eye Growth May Require Follow-Up and Treatment

Redness, irritation, corneal extension, astigmatism, blurred vision and recurrence risk should be evaluated together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pterygium?
Pterygium is a triangular tissue growth that can start from the conjunctiva and extend toward the cornea. It is commonly known as surfer’s eye or a fleshy growth on the eye.
What causes pterygium?
Although the exact cause is not fully known, long-term UV exposure, dusty, windy or dry environments, dry eye, chronic irritation and genetic predisposition are considered risk factors.
What are the symptoms of pterygium?
Redness, burning, stinging, itching, foreign body sensation, tearing, dry eye, a visible fleshy growth near the nasal side of the eye and blurred vision in advanced cases may occur.
Can pterygium recur?
Pterygium can recur after surgery. UV protection, dry eye treatment, protection from dust and wind and regular eye follow-up are important to reduce recurrence risk.
Academic Hospital note: Pterygium evaluation should consider the degree of corneal extension, astigmatism/vision effect, dry eye, irritation, UV exposure, occupational risks and recurrence risk after surgery together. You can book an appointment for evaluation.

References

  1. Academic Hospital. Gözde Et Büyümesi (Pterjium) Nedir? Belirtileri ve Tedavi Yöntemleri
  2. American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki. Pterygium
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Pinguecula and Pterygium
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Pterygium: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment