Surfer’s Eye – Symptoms and Treatment “Surfer’s eye” is a slang term for an eye growth called pterygium. Pterygium grows on the conjunctiva, which is the clear mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. Pterygium is noncancerous, but may cause eye irritation, discoloration and excessive tearing. The growth may remain small or enlarge until it interferes with vision. Depending on the case, pterygium may be red, swollen, thick or large enough to affect the shape of the cornea (leading to astigmatism). It is