When you’ve spent a significant amount of time on the water or on the ski slopes without effective eye protection, you can develop a pterygium, which is a growth in your eye. This growth, dubbed surfer’s eye, is both unsightly and irritating. Without pterygium treatment, vision loss can be caused. 

How Is Pterygium Surgery Performed?

Pterygium removal surgery is used to effectively eliminate an abnormal growth of tissue called pterygium, which is sometimes associated with an eye disorder called “surfer’s eye.” Pterygium is defined by the formation of fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white area of the eye. In severe situations, it can expand over onto the cornea, resulting in visual abnormalities such as astigmatism and, eventually, loss of sight.

This benign growth is often caused by extended exposure to ultraviolet rays, which is how it earned its name as “surfer’s eye.” Pterygium treatments are performed to relieve symptoms, prevent vision loss and improve the appearance of the eye. Pterygium surgery helps avoid recurring episodes of conjunctivitis, which is also caused by the pterygium. Different surgical techniques and approaches may be used depending on the size and severity of the growth.

What Happens in a Pterygium Removal Surgery?

Pterygium removal surgery is a straightforward procedure usually performed by an ophthalmologist. It normally takes between 30 minutes and an hour to finish. The steps include:

1. Before the surgery begins, your eye is numbed with local anesthesia, so you don’t experience any pain during the treatment. A relaxing medication may also be given if you need it.

2. The eye is cleaned and prepared to prevent the possibility of infection.

3. Your pterygium specialist creates a small incision in the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the eye’s white component. This incision provides access to the pterygium.

4. Sensitive surgical equipment gently raises and removes the pterygium tissue from the eye’s surface.

5. The goal is to remove the abnormal development completely while causing minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

6. After removing the pterygium, the surgeon may repair the conjunctival incision with tissue glue or sutures.

7. Sutures can be either absorbable or non-absorbable.

After the procedure, you usually stay in the clinic for a brief time for observation. Arrange for a ride home after the treatment. During the first few days after surgery, you may experience pain, redness, and tearing in the operated eye. Your eye doctor may prescribe pain-relieving eye drops, creams, and oral medications to manage any postoperative discomfort and to promote healing while avoiding infection.

For the majority of people, pterygium surgery takes only one session. In rare cases, though, multiple sessions may be required. Large or recurring pterygia, complications, or cosmetic concerns that need addressing might call for repeated surgeries.

What Are the Advantages of Pterygium Removal?

If you’re unsure about getting this procedure, consider all the advantages as they highlight the importance of early intervention and undergoing pterygium treatments as soon as possible. Some of the benefits include:

• Restoring clear vision, as pterygium usually interferes with your eyesight as it develops on the cornea, resulting in blurry vision or astigmatism

• Improving your appearance as pterygium can be unattractive, appearing lumpy and red or pinkish in the eye

• Being able to wear your contact lenses without the interference of a growth that impedes smooth insertion and removal

• Reducing the likelihood of recurrence because, while pterygium can occasionally regrow after removal, effective surgical methods make a considerable difference

• Undergoing shorter recovery times due to advances in surgical procedures, allowing you to resume your normal activities sooner

Pterygium surgery decreases infection risk through the use of clean operating rooms, preoperative medications, and thorough wound closure. Surgeons maintain sterile conditions during the procedure to reduce the spread of germs. Preoperative medicines reduce bacterial presence on the eye’s surface, while perfect wound closure establishes a barrier against contaminants. Antibiotic eye drops are used after surgery to reduce the risk of infection, making it the safest pterygium treatment option for you.

The bottom line

Don’t allow pterygium to limit your eyesight and comfort any longer. Take control of your eye health by removing pterygiums before they create major vision problems.