Patient information
What is it?
A pterygium — "surfer’s eye" — is a benign growth of tissue that advances from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. It is extremely common in the Caribbean climate due to sun, wind and dust exposure. It causes red eye, constant irritation, a foreign-body sensation and, if it advances, can distort the cornea and affect vision.
Symptoms & warning signs
- A visible growth advancing toward the center of the eye
- Red eye and frequent irritation, worse with sun and wind
- Foreign-body or "grain of sand" sensation
- Dryness and watering
- Cosmetic concern when talking with others
How is it diagnosed?
During the visit, a slit lamp is used to assess the size of the pterygium, how far it has invaded the cornea and whether it is already inducing astigmatism. This determines whether medical treatment (lubricants, anti-inflammatories) or definitive surgery is best.
When is treatment recommended?
Surgery is recommended when the growth advances toward the pupil, causes frequent discomfort despite eye drops, induces astigmatism, or is a significant cosmetic concern. Operating before it reaches the visual axis gives better results.
What is the procedure like?
The abnormal tissue is removed and the area is covered with an autograft from the patient’s own conjunctiva, secured without traditional sutures. This technique is the international gold standard: it lowers the chance of regrowth to under 5% (versus 30–50% with the simple technique). It is outpatient, under eye-drop local anesthesia, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Eye-drop local anesthesia, no hospital stay
- Autograft without traditional sutures
- Recurrence under 5% with the autograft technique
- Excellent final cosmetic result
Recovery
The discomfort of the first 24–48 hours (grittiness, watery eye) is controlled with prescribed pain relief and drops. The eye regains a white, healthy appearance within a few weeks, with an excellent cosmetic result.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pterygium grow back after surgery?
With the simple technique (just removing the tissue) recurrence is high. That is why Dr. Flores uses a conjunctival autograft, which lowers recurrence to under 5%. You will also receive aftercare guidance (lubricants and UV-protection lenses) to protect the result.
Is pterygium surgery painful?
No. It is performed with eye-drop local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. In the first 24–48 hours you may feel grittiness or a watery eye, controllable with prescribed pain relief.
When can I fly home after surgery?
Most patients resume office-type activities in 2–4 days. A follow-up visit is done within the first days; Dr. Flores will confirm a travel-friendly plan at your evaluation, including UV eye protection for sun and wind.
The information on this page is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Each case is evaluated individually by Dra. Fabiola Esther Flores Arredondo.