Vision Care Expert Discusses the Challenges of Living with Pterygium

People who spend most of their lives in the sun, especially near the equator, have a higher risk of pterygium. This wing-shaped, fleshy growth develops on the conjunctiva, the translucent mucous membrane covering the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids. Long-term UV exposure and dryness linked to outdoor professionals, such as surfers, farmers and fishermen, can cause pterygium and lead to redness, swelling and irritated eyes that may progress into blurry or blocked vision. 


Popular Questions About Pterygium and Treatment for the Flesh-Colored Eye Growth

Laser Eye Center™ has helped countless patients get rid of pinguecula and pterygium growths on the whites of the eye (conjunctiva). Our eye surgeons have performed over 500,000 successful procedures and trained renowned eye surgeons in the Los Angeles area. We have 30 years of proven success in providing personalized eye care and procedures for lifelong clear and healthy vision.


Tratamiento para eliminar la carnosidad en los ojos: En qué casos es necesaria una cirugía para eliminar la carnosidad y cuáles son los posibles resultados

La carnosidad en los ojos a menudo se denomina “ojo de surfista” porque esta excrecencia rosada y carnosa afecta a las personas que pasan la mayor parte del tiempo expuestas directamente al sol. La condición se ve agravada aún más por los climas secos y la contaminación del aire. El tejido puede comenzar como una pinguécula o una excrecencia elevada de color amarillo. La carnosidad se desarrolla en la conjuntiva, la capa mucosa transparente que cubre la parte blanca del ojo. Si bien las gotas para los ojos y los ungüentos recetados pueden aliviar los síntomas de la carnosidad, la cirugía para extirpar la excrecencia es la única forma de…


Pterygium and the Autograft Technique

Living in Southern California, you are probably familiar with the damage that the sun can do to your skin. But did you know that the sun is also potentially harmful to your eyes? Evidence suggests that sun exposure can contribute to the formation of pterygia, or fleshy growths that develop on the eyeball. Pterygia are common in surfers, sunbathers and other people who enjoy spending time outdoors but may not wear adequate sun protection. Thanks to our sunny location, we see a lot of cases of pterygia at Laser Eye Center. Although in their early stages pterygia may not cause noticeable symptoms, they can grow slowly and eventually cause dry…


Can Pterygium Reoccur after Removal?

Pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is a benign, elevated growth that begins on the conjuctiva (the white part of the eye) and can move onto the cornea. In most cases, pterygium must be surgically removed to relieve discomfort and restore a normal-looking appearance to the eye. Pterygium surgery is a safe procedure that can be performed in-office in about 30 minutes. If you are interested in undergoing pterygium surgery, you should know that there is a chance for recurrence (regrowth) after the procedure. In this blog post, the eye experts at Laser Eye Center™ explain why this is and what can be done to prevent recurrence.


Treatment Options for Ptergyium

Pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is an elevated, wedged-shaped bump on the eyeball that can cause tearing, blurry vision, and in some cases, astigmatism. Pterygium occurs from ongoing UV light damage to the tissue underneath the white of the eye, as well as excessive exposure to wind and dirt. Although benign, pterygium can cause discomfort. In this blog post, the eye experts at Laser Eye Center™ review the treatment options for pterygium. Lubricants and Eye Drops A comprehensive eye exam with one of our trusted eye doctors can detect a pterygium growth and determine the best treatment option for you. If a pterygium is small, your eye doctor may…