Pterygium: Understanding the White Growth on Your Eye

Living an active lifestyle often means embracing the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking through mountain trails, working under the sun or catching waves at the beach. While spending time outside is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it also exposes us to the elements—sun, wind, dust and humidity—which can have significant effects on our eye health. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to vision changes and, in some cases, eye growths like pterygium.

Pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye, is a non-cancerous, wedge-shaped growth of fleshy tissue that starts on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye. Over time, it can extend onto the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This growth is most seen in people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Although the exact cause of pterygium is still undetermined, it is widely accepted that the combination of ultraviolet (UV) light, wind and dust contributes to its development.

Pterygium can develop in one or both eyes—if it affects both eyes, it is called bilateral pterygium. While anyone can develop pterygium, certain groups are at higher risk. It is more common in adults over the age of 80, particularly those who live near the equator where UV exposure is more intense. The condition is rare in children, but as people age and accumulate more time in the sun, the likelihood of developing pterygium increases. Globally, about 12% of the population develops pterygium at some point in their lives.

Pterygium often starts as a small, painless growth, but it can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as it progresses. These include a gritty feeling in the eyes, redness, burning, blurry vision and excessive tearing. In some cases, the growth can cause astigmatism by pulling on the cornea and altering its shape, leading to distorted vision. If left untreated, a large pterygium can eventually cover the pupil and block vision, significantly impacting daily activities.

Diagnosis is straightforward and is typically done by an ophthalmologist during an eye exam using a slit lamp test. This test allows the doctor to examine the front part of the eye under high magnification and identify any abnormal growths.

Treatment for pterygium depends on the severity of the condition. In minor cases, eye drops and ointments can be used to reduce redness and relieve irritation. For more advanced cases, especially if the pterygium threatens vision by growing over the cornea, surgery may be required to remove the growth. However, surgery is not always a permanent solution, as pterygium can recur even after it has been removed.

The best approach to managing pterygium is prevention and early intervention. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays, using protective eyewear in windy or dusty conditions and keeping your eyes hydrated with lubricating drops can help minimize the risk of developing this condition. For those who already have pterygium, following your doctor’s advice on using prescribed steroid drops and avoiding further sun exposure is crucial.

Pterygium may not be a serious eye condition, but it can become problematic if it grows large enough to obstruct vision. If you notice any unusual growths on your eye or have concerns about your eye health due to prolonged exposure to UV light or harsh weather conditions, it’s important to seek professional advice. A comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist is the best way to ensure your eyes remain healthy and to address any issues early on.

Take control of your eye health—don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with Skyline Vision Clinic today by calling 719-630-3937 or visiting WEBSITE. Protecting your eyes now can make all the difference in preserving your vision for the future.