A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of tissue that spreads from the white of the eye onto the cornea, usually from the side nearest the nose. It is benign, but it is not merely cosmetic: as it advances it can distort the corneal surface, induce astigmatism and, if it reaches the visual axis, obstruct vision.
Pterygium surgery at ShivAnuj is performed by Dr. Anuj Kodnani (MS Ophthalmology, DNB, FTVPEI, FWCRS).
નખુ (પેટેરીજીયમ) ની સારવાર
આંખમાં સફેદ ભાગમાંથી કીકી તરફ વધતી પડદા જેવી વૃદ્ધિને નખુ કહે છે. તડકો, ધૂળ અને પવનના લાંબા સંપર્કથી તે વધે છે. સારવાર માટે +91 94289 74800 પર ફોન કરો.
Why it happens
The strongest association is cumulative ultraviolet exposure, which is why pterygium is common across Gujarat and in anyone who works outdoors — farmers, drivers, construction and roadside workers. Dust, wind and chronic dryness add to the irritation. It is sometimes called “surfer's eye” in Western literature for the same reason.
Symptoms
- A visible fleshy growth, often with redness that comes and goes
- Grittiness, burning or a foreign-body sensation
- Intermittent redness, worse after sun, dust or wind exposure
- Blurring or a changing spectacle number as astigmatism is induced
- In advanced cases, restricted eye movement or obstruction of vision
When is surgery needed?
A small, quiet pterygium does not have to be removed. It is reasonable to manage it with lubricants, sun protection and periodic review. Surgery is considered when:
- It is advancing towards the centre of the cornea
- It is inducing astigmatism and affecting vision
- Irritation and redness persist despite treatment
- It restricts eye movement or causes double vision
- It interferes with contact lens wear
- The appearance is a significant concern to the patient
Surgery: why the graft matters
Simply excising a pterygium and leaving the area bare carries a high recurrence rate, and a recurrent pterygium is typically more aggressive and harder to treat than the original. Modern practice is therefore excision combined with a conjunctival autograft — a small piece of the patient's own conjunctiva, usually taken from under the upper lid, is moved to cover the bare area and secured with fine sutures or tissue glue.
This substantially reduces recurrence compared with bare-sclera excision, and because the graft is the patient's own tissue there is no rejection risk. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia as day care and typically takes about 30–45 minutes.
Recovery
- Expect discomfort, watering and a gritty sensation for several days — this is normal and settles.
- The eye will look red for a few weeks; the graft site takes time to blend in.
- Drops are prescribed for several weeks, often tapering over a month or more.
- Avoid dust, swimming and eye rubbing while healing.
- Review appointments matter, as early recurrence is best caught and managed promptly.
Recurrence remains possible even with a graft, and is more likely in younger patients and those with continued heavy sun exposure. Good UV protection afterwards is part of the treatment, not an optional extra.
Prevention: UV-blocking sunglasses and a cap or hat whenever you are outdoors, lubricating drops for dry, dusty conditions, and protective eyewear for outdoor work. This matters both for preventing a pterygium and for reducing recurrence after surgery.
Questions patients ask
Is a pterygium cancer?
No. A pterygium is a benign growth. That said, any unusual or rapidly growing lesion on the surface of the eye should be examined, because other conditions can look similar.
Can drops make a pterygium go away?
No. Lubricants and anti-inflammatory drops relieve irritation and redness but do not remove the growth. Only surgery removes it.
Will it come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible but much less likely with a conjunctival autograft than with simple excision. Risk is higher in younger patients and with continued heavy sun exposure, which is why UV protection afterwards matters.
Is the surgery painful?
The eye is numbed, so the procedure should not be painful. Expect several days of grittiness, watering and discomfort afterwards, which settles with drops.
How long before I can go back to work?
Often within a few days for indoor work. Outdoor, dusty or heavy work needs longer, and protective eyewear afterwards. Your surgeon will advise.
Does a pterygium affect my spectacle number?
It can. As it extends onto the cornea it distorts the surface and induces astigmatism, which is one of the reasons for operating before it reaches the centre.
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This page is general health information, not a substitute for a clinical examination. Suitability for any procedure is decided only after an in-person assessment. Individual results vary.