Pterygium
A pterygium is a benign, wing-shaped growth on the eye caused by UV exposure and irritation. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and when treatment or surgical removal is needed.
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Carol PeelWhat Is Pterygium?
A pterygium (pronounced te-RIJ-ee-um) is a benign, fibrovascular growth that develops on the white of the eye (the conjunctiva) and gradually extends onto the cornea — the clear front window of the eye. It often appears as a pink, fleshy, triangular patch that grows from the nasal corner of the eye towards the pupil.
Although not cancerous, a pterygium can cause redness, irritation, cosmetic concerns, and in more advanced cases, distorted vision if it alters corneal shape or encroaches on the visual axis.
Pterygium is strongly associated with UV exposure, dry environments, and outdoor occupations, earning it the nickname “surfer’s eye.” Advanced or aggressive pterygia can cause scarring and significant visual disruption if left untreated.
Recognising the Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and progression of the growth. Advanced or aggressive pterygia can cause scarring and significant visual disruption if left untreated.
Causes & Risk Factors
Pterygium develops due to chronic irritation and environmental exposure. These factors cause micro-damage to the conjunctiva, stimulating tissue overgrowth.
High UV Exposure
Sunlight is the biggest trigger, especially UV-B. Prolonged outdoor exposure significantly increases risk.
Wind, Dust & Dry Climates
Environmental irritation from wind, dust, and dry conditions increases inflammation at the ocular surface.
Outdoor Occupations
Farmers, construction workers, sailors, and athletes face higher exposure to the environmental triggers that drive pterygium development.
Contact Lens Overuse
May contribute to dryness and surface irritation, increasing susceptibility to conjunctival inflammation.
Genetic Predisposition
Pterygium is more common in certain populations, suggesting an inherited component to the risk.
Dry Eye Disease
An unstable tear film increases risk of conjunctival inflammation, which can promote pterygium formation.
How Pterygium Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis is made through a slit-lamp examination. Your specialist will determine whether the pterygium is stable, inflamed, or actively growing and whether surgical removal is indicated.
Slit Lamp Examination
The growth's size, thickness, and vascularity are evaluated directly. The specialist assesses how close it extends toward the visual axis and signs of active inflammation.
Corneal Topography
Maps the corneal surface to determine whether the pterygium is inducing astigmatism by distorting corneal shape.
Tear Film Assessment
Identifies associated dry eye disease, which can worsen pterygium symptoms and influence management decisions.
Photographic Monitoring
Serial photographs document the pterygium over time to objectively track growth and inform the decision on when surgical intervention is needed.
When to See a Specialist
You should seek an eye assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing redness or irritation
- A growth that appears to be enlarging
- Difficulty with contact lenses
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Cosmetic concerns affecting confidence
- Discomfort with sun, wind, or dust exposure
“Early assessment of pterygium allows us to monitor growth, manage symptoms, and plan surgery at the right time — before vision is significantly affected.”
Treatment Options
These are the treatment options available at The Eye Doctor Clinic.
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book a Pterygium Assessment
If you have noticed a growth on your eye or are experiencing persistent redness and irritation, an early specialist assessment at The Eye Doctor Clinic is the right next step. We can advise on monitoring, management, and surgical options.
