Living in Hawaii means plenty of exposure to sun, wind, and the ocean, but those same environmental conditions can contribute to pterygium, commonly known as surfer’s eye. A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that develops on the surface of the eye and may cause redness, irritation, or vision changes as it enlarges.
At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser in Honolulu, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara evaluates and treats pterygium using his extensive experience in anterior segment eye care. He is a fellowship-trained Anterior Segment-Glaucoma Specialist with experience managing conditions involving the cornea and other structures at the front of the eye. Treatment depends on the size of the growth, the symptoms it causes, and whether it has begun to affect the cornea or vision.
What Is Pterygium?
A pterygium is an elevated, wedge-shaped growth of tissue that typically begins on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white portion of the eye. It may gradually extend toward the cornea.
These growths are not cancerous. A small pterygium may remain stable and cause few problems, while a larger or inflamed growth may become noticeable, uncomfortable, or interfere with vision.
What Causes Surfer’s Eye?
No single cause of pterygium exists, but long-term exposure to ultraviolet light is strongly associated with its development. This helps explain why the condition is more common among people who live in sunny climates or spend considerable time outdoors.
Other environmental irritants may also contribute, including:
- Wind
- Sand and dust
- Smoke
- Pollen
- Dry outdoor conditions
These factors make pterygium especially relevant for patients living active outdoor lifestyles in Hawaii.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pterygium?
A mild pterygium may cause no symptoms at all. As the growth becomes irritated or grows larger, symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, dryness, or the sensation that something is stuck in the eye.
Larger growths can become more significant if they extend onto the cornea. They may distort the eye’s shape, contribute to astigmatism, or interfere with clear vision.
When Does Pterygium Need Treatment?
Treatment depends on how much the growth is affecting the eye. A small pterygium that causes only occasional irritation may be managed conservatively, while a larger or advancing growth may require more active treatment.
Reasons to consider treatment include:
- Persistent redness or inflammation
- Ongoing irritation or foreign-body sensation
- Increasing growth toward the cornea
- Astigmatism or other vision changes
- Significant cosmetic concerns
Pterygium Treatment Options
Most patients wouldn’t deem the feelings involved with pterygium as pain; irritation would be a better term. The itchy, gritty feeling of these growths is definitely irritating. It can feel as if you have something stuck in your eye.
Can pterygium heal without treatment?
If irritation or redness is the main concern, treatment may begin with lubricating drops or prescription medication to reduce inflammation and improve comfort.
Surgery may be recommended when the growth continues to enlarge, interferes with vision, produces significant symptoms, or creates a cosmetic concern that the patient would like addressed. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara can determine whether continued observation, medical management, or surgical removal is most appropriate.
How Is Pterygium Surgery Performed?
Pterygium surgery is generally performed using local anesthesia, with sedation when appropriate. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara removes the abnormal growth and carefully treats the underlying area.
A conjunctival tissue graft can then be placed over the site where the pterygium was removed. This approach covers the exposed area and is designed to reduce the chance of the growth returning compared with older techniques that left the underlying tissue uncovered.
Recovery After Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Some soreness, redness, irritation, or temporary visual fluctuation can occur during the early healing period.
Patients may be able to resume many routine activities within several days, although the eye can remain red while the surface continues to heal. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara provides specific postoperative instructions on eye drops, activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and how to protect the healing eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterygium
Does Pterygium Cause Pain?
Pterygium is generally more irritating than painful. Patients may describe the eye as gritty, dry, itchy, or uncomfortable, especially when the growth becomes inflamed.
Can Pterygium Go Away Without Treatment?
A pterygium usually does not disappear completely on its own. Small, stable growths that don’t affect comfort or vision may be monitored during routine eye exams.
Can Pterygium Cause Permanent Vision Problems?
A pterygium that remains on the white part of the eye may not affect vision. If it grows onto the cornea, however, it can alter the eye’s shape, cause astigmatism, produce scarring, and potentially interfere with clear vision.
Can Pterygium Come Back After Surgery?
Pterygium can recur after surgical removal, although modern grafting techniques have helped reduce recurrence compared with older approaches. Protecting the eyes from UV exposure and following postoperative instructions are particularly important during the first year after surgery.
How Can I Help Prevent Pterygium?
Wearing wraparound sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat can help limit sun exposure. Lubricating eye drops may also help in dry conditions, and reducing exposure to wind, sand, smoke, pollen, and dust can decrease irritation.
Does Insurance cover Pterygium Surgery?
Coverage depends on the reason for surgery and the patient’s individual plan. Removal may be covered when a pterygium causes significant discomfort, affects vision, or creates another medical problem, while surgery performed primarily for cosmetic reasons may not be covered.
Why Choose Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser For Pterygium Treatment?
Dr. Jeffrey Maehara brings specialized anterior segment training to evaluating and treating conditions affecting the front of the eye. He is a fellowship-trained Anterior Segment-Glaucoma Specialist with experience in corneal care, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and other advanced ophthalmic procedures. His background allows him to evaluate not only the visible pterygium but also its relationship to the cornea, ocular surface, and vision.
Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser also continues a longstanding tradition of eye care in Hawaii. Dr. Dennis Maehara founded the practice more than 30 years ago, and Dr. Jeffrey Maehara continues that legacy while incorporating modern surgical technology and individualized treatment planning for patients in Honolulu and Waipahu.
Schedule a Pterygium Consultation in Honolulu
A pterygium may remain minor for years or gradually become more irritating and begin affecting the cornea or vision. An eye examination can determine whether monitoring, medical treatment, or surgical removal is the appropriate next step.
Call 808-955-3937 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser in Honolulu, HI.