What is a pterygium (surfer’s eye) and when does it need surgery?

Short answer: a pterygium, or “surfer’s eye,” is a benign growth of tissue that advances over the eye, caused mainly by sun, wind and dust. It needs surgery when it grows toward the pupil, causes constant discomfort, or affects appearance. With the autograft technique, the chance of it growing back is under 5%.

Why does a pterygium appear?

Pterygium is especially common in the Caribbean climate of Quintana Roo: intense ultraviolet radiation, wind and dust irritate the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye) and stimulate an abnormal growth of tissue that advances toward the cornea. It mostly affects people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors.

It is not cancer and is not contagious, but it is progressive: it does not go away on its own.

Typical symptoms

• A visible growth, usually on the nose side of the eye
• A red, irritated eye, worse with sun and wind
• A constant foreign-body or “grain of sand” sensation
• Cosmetic concern

Do drops cure it?

No. Lubricants and anti-inflammatories relieve the discomfort and help it advance more slowly, but they do not remove the tissue. The only definitive treatment is surgery.

When is surgery the right choice?

• When it grows toward the center of the eye (it can distort the cornea and cause astigmatism)
• When discomfort is frequent despite eye drops
• When the cosmetic concern affects your confidence around others

Operating before it reaches the visual axis gives better results and avoids residual astigmatism.

Technique matters: conjunctival autograft

With the simple technique (just cutting it out), the pterygium grows back in 30–50% of cases. That is why Dr. Flores uses the conjunctival autograft: the area is covered with the patient’s own healthy tissue, which lowers recurrence to under 5%, with eye-drop anesthesia, no hospital stay, and an excellent cosmetic result.

July 2026 promotion: 15% off pterygium surgery with autograft.

Book your evaluation

Message us on WhatsApp at 998 601 8740. The evaluation confirms the degree of your pterygium and you receive a written quote, with no obligation.