A pterygium is a lump of tissue, which grows from the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye) onto the cornea (clear central part of the eye). A pterygium can occur in both eyes, usually on the nasal side of the eye.

Anyone can develop a pterygium and their exact cause is unknown, but they are often associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation and hot, dry environments. Pterygiums are more common in farmers and surfers, and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors,

In cases where the pterygium is not actively growing onto the cornea and not obstructing your vision, then protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light may often be enough to stabilise its growth. If the pterygium is actively growing onto the cornea and threatening to alter your vision, the only effective treatment is surgical removal by Dr Goodrich under a general anaesthetic during a day surgical procedure.

What causes a pterygium eye?

Pterygium is an overgrowth of your conjunctiva tissue. Causes include:

• Long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Chronic irritation from hot and dry weather, wind and dust.

Other possible risk factors include:

• Age over 60.

• Genetics.

• Vitamin A deficiency.

• Human papilloma virus (HPV).

What symptoms can a pterygium cause?

You might not feel your pterygium at first. You might only notice a raised, fleshy, wedge-shaped growth at the corner of your eye. When symptoms do develop, they can be mild to severe. They might include:

• Inflammation and swelling (conjunctivitis).

• Redness or bloodshot eye.

• Dry eye.

• Watery eye.

• A feeling like there’s something in your eye.

• Eye itching.

• Eye burning.

• Eye pain.

Over time, you might also notice:

• An increase in the size and spread of the lesion.

• Difficulties or discomfort with contact lenses.

• Vision changes, like blurred or double vision.

Not everyone develops these symptoms. Some pterygia grow more than others.