A Pterygium (Surfer's Eye) is a wing-shaped growth on the surface of the eye causing redness, irritation and sometimes decreased vision. This is normally due to excess UV light exposure from spending a lot of time outside on the water or snow. A pterygium usually grows on the nose side of the eye but occasionally can grow in from both sides of the eye. A pinguecula is a smaller version of a pterygium that has not yet grown onto the cornea.

Surgery
Pterygium surgery removes the growth and a small graft from under your eyelid is used to help heal and minimise the chance of a re-growth. To minimise the discomfort, Fibrin glue is used to attach the graft. This also reduces the surgical time. Surgery is done under local anaesthetic at the Bowen Eye Clinic, Bowen Hospital or Southern Cross Hospital in Wellington or Crest Hospital in Palmerston North. There is some mild to moderate discomfort in the recovery period. 

Results
The cosmetic results from pterygium surgery are excellent. There is a low recurrence rate of 1%, which usually occurs after surgery in the first 3 months. We recommend the use of sunglasses to reduce UV light exposure to protect your eyes from sun, wind and dust. 

For diagnosis and treatment of your Pterygium call 0800-69-20-20