Pterygium Surgery Specialist

Why do I need pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery is a surgical procedure used to remove growths from the surface of your eyeball, called pterygia.

Often called surfer’s eye, the condition commonly affects people who spend a lot of time outside and is especially common in surfers. Nobody knows its true cause, but it seems to correlate with spending time in the sun, wind, and sand. 

Pterygia aren’t cancerous, but they can cause a lot of irritation in your eyes. Your vision may be blurry because of your pterygia and often feels like you permanently have a hair or contact lens stuck in your eye. 

How does pterygium surgery work?

Despite taking place on one of the most delicate organs of your body (your eye), pterygium surgery is considered minimally invasive and low risk. The entire procedure only takes 30 to 45 minutes, so you can be in and out of the office quickly. 

When you first arrive at the clinic for your surgery, your Tayani Institute doctor gives you a relaxing sedative and numbs your eyes. 

Once you’re prepared, the pterygium is cut from the surface of your eye. Then, the doctor takes a graft of healthy tissue from the white part of your eye to cover the removed area and prevent more pterygium from growing. 

Your doctor will either use sutures or glue to secure the tissue graft in place. Dissolvable sutures are the traditional method, but specialized fibrin glue allows for a faster recovery.

How can I prepare for my pterygium surgery?

There are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for a successful pterygium surgery. You must eat lightly or fast before your appointment, and if you wear contact lenses, you must take them out for at least 24 hours prior to the surgery. 

What are the risks of pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery is generally very safe and low-risk. However, like any surgical procedure, there are a few common side effects that follow:

• Discomfort
• Redness
• Blurry vision 

Vision loss or decline is very rare, but can occur. If you notice a significant difference in your vision after you recover, you should call Tayani Institute immediately. 

It’s also possible for your pterygia to grow back. If this happens, schedule another appointment at your earliest convenience.

Getting your fix of sunlight and the outdoors is great for your mind and wellbeing. But if you notice a growth on your eye after some time outside, call Tayani Institute or book an exam online to find out if you need pterygium surgery.