Pterygium: How Sun Exposure Causes Eye Growth and What Surgery Can Do

A pterygium isn’t just a spot on your eye-it’s a warning sign. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and seen a fleshy, pinkish wedge creeping from the white of your eye toward your pupil, you’re not alone. This growth, often called pterygium, affects millions worldwide, especially those who spend time outdoors under the sun. It’s not cancer. It’s not an infection. But left unchecked, it can blur your vision, make contact lenses unbearable, and leave you feeling like your eyes are always grittier than they should be.

What Exactly Is a Pterygium?

A pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva-the clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye. It starts near the nose, usually, and slowly stretches across the sclera toward the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. When it crosses that line, it becomes a pterygium. If it stays on the white part only, it’s called a pinguecula. The difference matters because only pterygium can interfere with vision.

It looks like a small, triangular wing-hence the name, from the Greek word pterygion, meaning “little wing.” The tissue is often pink or red, with visible tiny blood vessels. At first, it might be no bigger than a pinhead. But under constant sun exposure, it can grow to 2-5 millimeters wide at the base, and sometimes even cover part of the pupil.

It’s not rare. Around 12% of Australian men over 60 have it. In places near the equator, like parts of Central America, Southeast Asia, or northern Australia, the rate jumps to 20% or higher. Globally, about 15 million people are diagnosed each year. It’s the third most common eye surface disorder after cataracts and glaucoma.

Why Does the Sun Cause It?

The science is clear: ultraviolet (UV) light is the biggest trigger. Studies show people living within 30 degrees of the equator have more than double the risk. For every 15,000 joules of UV radiation your eyes absorb over your lifetime, your chance of developing pterygium goes up by 78%.

It’s not just beach days or tropical vacations. Think about your daily routine: commuting in a car without UV-blocking windows, walking the dog in the morning, fishing, gardening, or working outside. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still get through. Over years, that adds up.

Some people think genetics play a role-studies show higher rates among close relatives. But most experts agree environmental exposure accounts for at least 85% of cases. Men are diagnosed more often than women, likely because they spend more time in high-UV outdoor jobs like farming, construction, or fishing.

And it’s not just about location. The UV index matters. When it hits 3.0 or higher-which happens over 200 days a year in tropical zones-your eyes need protection. Yet, most people don’t wear sunglasses unless it’s blazing bright. That’s the mistake.

How It Affects Your Vision

Early-stage pterygium often causes little more than redness, irritation, or the feeling that something’s stuck in your eye. But as it grows, things change.

If the growth reaches the cornea, it can distort its shape. That leads to astigmatism-something you might not notice until your vision suddenly becomes blurry, even with your current glasses. Contact lens wearers often complain they can’t wear their lenses anymore. The pterygium creates an uneven surface that makes lenses slip, rub, or feel uncomfortable.

Advanced cases can block your line of sight. One Reddit user, who’d surfed for 15 years without eye protection, said his vision started blurring when the growth reached his pupil. That’s not an exaggeration. Surgeons have seen cases where pterygium covers 30% of the cornea, making reading, driving, or recognizing faces difficult.

And here’s the catch: it doesn’t always grow fast. Some people have had the same small pterygium for 20 years. Others see it double in size within a year. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial-especially if you’re in a high-risk group.

Surgical Options: When and How

Most pterygia don’t need surgery. If it’s small, not bothering you, and not growing, your doctor will likely just monitor it. But if it’s affecting your vision, causing constant discomfort, or just looks unsightly, surgery becomes an option.

The most common procedure is surgical removal. But here’s the problem: if you just scrape it off, it comes back in 30-40% of cases. That’s why modern techniques focus on preventing recurrence.

Conjunctival autograft is now the gold standard. During this surgery, the pterygium is removed, and a small piece of healthy conjunctiva is taken from another part of your eye (usually near the top) and stitched over the area. It’s like patching a hole with your own tissue. Recurrence rates drop to about 8.7%.

Mitomycin C is often used with the graft. It’s a mild chemotherapy drug applied during surgery to kill off the cells that cause regrowth. Used correctly, it cuts recurrence down to 5-10%. It’s safe when applied briefly and washed out afterward.

A newer option gaining traction is amniotic membrane transplantation. This uses tissue from donated placenta, which has natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties. European guidelines now recommend it for recurrent pterygium, with success rates above 90% in preventing regrowth.

The surgery itself takes 30-45 minutes. It’s done under local anesthesia-you’re awake but feel no pain. Recovery is usually quick: most people return to normal activities in a week. But the healing process takes longer. You’ll need steroid eye drops for 4-6 weeks to reduce swelling and inflammation. Some patients say the drops are more annoying than the surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Post-op discomfort is normal. Your eye will be red, watery, and sensitive to light for the first few days. That’s why many patients avoid screens and driving for a few days. The redness can last up to six weeks, which bothers some people cosmetically.

But the results? Most patients report immediate relief from irritation. Eighty-seven percent of reviews on health platforms mention “significant relief.” Sixty-five percent say their vision improved right away. One patient on RealSelf said, “The surgery took 35 minutes, but the steroid drops regimen for 6 weeks was more challenging than expected.” That’s the trade-off.

Recurrence is still the biggest fear. About one in three patients see it come back without proper treatment. That’s why follow-up visits are non-negotiable. Your doctor will check for signs of regrowth at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

Here’s the truth: surgery fixes the problem, but it doesn’t stop the cause. If you keep exposing your eyes to UV light, you’re just setting yourself up for another one.

The best prevention? Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for the ANSI Z80.3-2020 standard on the label. Wraparound styles work best-they stop UV from entering from the sides. A wide-brimmed hat adds another 50% protection.

Don’t wait until you see a growth. Start now. Even if you’re 25 and think you’re fine, UV damage builds up silently. One patient on r/EyeHealth said: “Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses daily has stopped the progression of my early-stage pterygium.” That’s the power of prevention.

Also, consider UV-protective contact lenses if you wear them. Some brands now include built-in UV filters. Not a replacement for sunglasses, but an extra layer.

What’s New in Treatment

The field is evolving. In March 2023, the FDA approved OcuGel Plus, a preservative-free lubricant designed specifically for post-surgery patients. Clinical trials showed it reduced dryness and irritation by 32% compared to standard eye drops.

Researchers are also testing topical rapamycin, a drug that stops abnormal cell growth. Early Phase II trials showed a 67% drop in recurrence at 12 months. If approved, this could become a daily drop to prevent regrowth-no surgery needed.

Laser-assisted removal is on the horizon. By 2027, experts predict 78% of surgeons will use lasers to remove pterygium with more precision and less tissue damage. It’s not common yet, but it’s coming.

Who’s at Risk-and What to Do

You’re at higher risk if:

• You live near the equator (within 30° latitude)
• You spend more than 4 hours a day outdoors
• You’re male and over 40
• You work in construction, farming, fishing, or outdoor sports
• You don’t wear UV-blocking sunglasses regularly

If any of this sounds familiar, get your eyes checked. No special test is needed-just a simple slit-lamp exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It takes five minutes. No needles. No pain.

And if you already have a pterygium? Don’t panic. Most stay small. But track it. Take photos of your eye every six months with good lighting. Compare them. If it’s growing, talk to your doctor.

And remember: once you’ve had it, you’re more likely to get it again. Prevention isn’t optional. It’s essential.