Pterygium Surgery
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Pterygium Surgery: Causes, Treatment, and What to Expect
If you’ve ever noticed a small, fleshy growth developing on the white part of your eye — especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors — you might be dealing with a condition called pterygium.
Also known as “surfer’s eye”, this common eye condition is more than just a cosmetic issue.
In some cases, it can interfere with your vision and cause significant discomfort.
At Dubai Vision Correction Center, we believe in empowering you with knowledge.
Let’s walk you through what pterygium is, when surgery is needed, and what the treatment journey typically looks like.
What Exactly is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue that starts on the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue covering the white of the eye) and may gradually extend onto the cornea.
It’s closely associated with prolonged exposure to UV light, dusty environments, and dry, windy conditions — making it especially common in sunny regions like the UAE.
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If you suspect you have a pterygium, or if you’re tired of the irritation and cosmetic concerns it causes, don't wait.
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While a pterygium is not cancerous, it can cause:
Persistent eye redness
Irritation and dryness
Blurry or distorted vision (if it grows onto the cornea)
A feeling like something is stuck in your eye
In early stages, it might just look like a harmless bump. But as it grows, it can affect how well you see — and that’s when treatment becomes important.
What Exactly is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue that starts on the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue covering the white of the eye) and may gradually extend onto the cornea.
It’s closely associated with prolonged exposure to UV light, dusty environments, and dry, windy conditions — making it especially common in sunny regions like the UAE.
While a pterygium is not cancerous, it can cause:
-
Persistent eye redness
-
Irritation and dryness
-
Blurry or distorted vision (if it grows onto the cornea)
-
A feeling like something is stuck in your eye
In early stages, it might just look like a harmless bump. But as it grows, it can affect how well you see — and that’s when treatment becomes important.
Why Choose
Dubai Vision Correction Center?
Choosing where you have your eye surgery matters.
At our center, we combine experience, advanced techniques, and a personalized approach to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Here’s what sets us apart:
01
👁️ Decades of specialized ophthalmic surgery experience
02
👁️ Latest tissue glue technology for faster healing
03
👁️ Ultra-low recurrence rates
04
👁️ Comprehensive pre- and post-op care
05
👁️ Focus on both medical and cosmetic results
🩺 Why Does Pterygium Need Surgery?
Not every pterygium needs to be removed.
If the growth is small and symptom-free, your doctor might recommend monitoring it with regular check-ups and protecting your eyes with sunglasses and lubricating drops.
However, surgery becomes necessary when:
01
The growth threatens to distort or block your vision.
02
You experience constant discomfort, dryness, or redness.
03
The pterygium is steadily growing larger over time.
04
It causes significant cosmetic concerns affecting confidence.
🛠️ How Is Pterygium Surgery Performed?
Pterygium surgery today isn’t what it used to be even a decade ago.
Thanks to newer techniques, the procedure is minimally invasive and offers low recurrence rates.
Here’s what you can expect:
01
Local anesthesia is used to numb your eye — you’ll stay awake, but you won’t feel any pain.
02
The pterygium is carefully excised (removed) without damaging surrounding tissues.
03
A piece of healthy conjunctival tissue from another part of your eye is grafted over the area to promote healing and prevent regrowth.
04
In many cases, tissue glue is used instead of stitches, making recovery faster and more comfortable.
🧿 What About Recovery?
Recovery after pterygium surgery is generally smooth.
You may experience some redness, mild discomfort, or sensitivity to light for a few days, but these symptoms are part of the normal healing process.
Aftercare tips include:
- Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV rays
- Avoiding dusty environments, swimming, and rubbing your eyes for a few weeks
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?
It’s important to understand that while a pterygium may start out small, it can progressively grow larger.
If left untreated, it may:
- Cause permanent astigmatism (irregular corneal shape)
- Lead to chronic irritation and redness
- Obstruct your line of sight
- Cause cosmetic concerns that can affect your self-esteem
Dr. Amit Jain specializes
🤔 Common Questions Patients Ask Us
Is the surgery painful?
No — you won’t feel pain during the procedure because of local anesthesia. Some mild discomfort afterward is normal.
Will the pterygium grow back?
Modern surgical techniques, especially using conjunctival grafts and anti-scarring medications, have drastically reduced recurrence rates. But lifelong sun protection is important.
How long before my eye looks normal again?
While discomfort subsides within days, it might take a few weeks for the redness and healing process to fully settle.
F.A.Q.
FAQs About Pterygium Surgery in Dubai
No, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort after surgery is normal and manageable.
Most patients recover within a week, with mild redness and sensitivity in the first few days. Complete cosmetic healing may take a few weeks.
Modern surgical techniques with conjunctival grafting have significantly lowered the recurrence rates. However, protecting your eyes from UV exposure remains important to prevent regrowth.
Surgery is recommended when the pterygium grows toward the center of the cornea, causes vision problems, chronic irritation, or significant cosmetic concerns.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, wear sunglasses outdoors, use prescribed eye drops, and follow your doctor’s post-surgery care plan.