Pterygium, often referred to as surfer's eye, is a common eye condition characterized by a fleshy growth on the conjunctiva. This growth can affect vision and aesthetics, making early intervention essential. Consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to explore treatment options that are right for you!
This page provides detailed information about pterygium, commonly known as surfer’s eye, including its origins, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.
A pterygium, or surfer’s eye, is a triangular, fleshy growth of conjunctival tissue, rich in blood vessels, that arises at the nasal (or sometimes temporal) limbus and slowly encroaches onto the cornea. As it advances, it can induce irregular astigmatism, cause glare, and eventually impair vision if it crosses the visual axis. It’s common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun or live in dry, dusty, or windy places.
Pterygium is a tissue growth that starts at the inner corner of the eye and can slowly move toward the pupil. It begins on the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and may extend onto the cornea. It's often called surfer’s eye because it tends to affect people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny or beach areas.
People often wonder if it will affect their vision or just change how their eye looks. While it’s usually harmless, it can sometimes grow enough to interfere with sight. Treating it early can help with both comfort and appearance.
What’s especially notable is how strongly its occurrence is linked to geography and environmental exposure. Understanding where pterygium is most common can help patients assess their own risk and take preventive steps.
In the United States, the prevalence of pterygium varies significantly by latitude. In northern states (above 40° N), such as Washington, Michigan, or New York, prevalence remains low, typically under 2%. However, in southern states between 28° and 36° N, like Texas, Arizona, and Florida, the numbers rise dramatically, ranging from 5% to 15%. The increased intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation closer to the equator is a key factor behind these regional differences.
In Latin America, data highlights even more striking patterns. A study from the U.S.–Mexico border region (Tucson/Nogales) reported an overall prevalence of 16%, with 23.7% among men and 11.5% among women. In Brazil, rates range from 8.1% in São Paulo State to over 21% in Amazon basin communities. Peru reports some of the highest rates globally, with a study in Lima identifying pterygium in 31.06% of adults. In Ecuador’s Chimborazo Province, a staggering 55% of adults presenting at community clinics were diagnosed with the condition.
Other countries across the region show similarly elevated rates:
Unfortunately, population-wide data are still lacking for several Central American countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. However, environmental and occupational patterns suggest prevalence may mirror Mexico’s southern regions—approximately 16%—especially in areas where sun protection measures are limited or inconsistently practiced.
Men and older adults are diagnosed with pterygium more often than women and younger people. Regular outdoor activities without UV protection also raise your personal risk.
The exact cause of pterygium isn’t clear, but certain risk factors are well known. Long-term exposure to UV light, along with wind, dust, and dry conditions, are the main contributors.
Here are some key points that explain why pterygium tends to develop:
Excessive exposure to UV rays, particularly in sunny climates near the equator, increases the likelihood of developing a pterygium. UV rays can damage the protective layers of the eye over time.
Living in or frequently visiting dry, dusty, or windy areas can irritate the eye and contribute to the growth of this condition.
Spending extended periods outdoors, especially for work or sports, elevates the risk. In fact, individuals working outside face a significantly higher chance of developing pterygium compared to those who spend most of their time indoors.
Chronic eye irritation, from UV-induced microtrauma, wind, dust or allergens, can contribute to pterygium development. While dry eye is not a primary cause, once a pterygium forms it may worsen tear-film stability, creating a cycle of surface irritation.
It’s important to know the signs of a pterygium so you can get help early. Sometimes it’s easy to miss, since it doesn’t always cause discomfort or affect vision right away.
However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
A pterygium can cause the eye to become red, irritated, or swollen, leading to discomfort. This is usually the first sign that there may be a growth.
Patients might experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare, which can become particularly bothersome on sunny days.
When the growth extends over the cornea, it can create blurred vision, or cause distortions due to irregularities in the corneal surface. This is especially noticeable during activities that require sharp vision.
Some individuals are worried about the appearance of a noticeable growth on the eye, particularly if it becomes more pronounced over time.
Surgery is usually recommended when a pterygium causes serious discomfort, affects your vision, or becomes a cosmetic concern. It can improve how your eye looks and prevent future problems.
Here’s when surgery might be the right choice:
While surgery works well for people with vision issues or discomfort, many with mild or early-stage pterygium choose non-surgical options first. These methods aim to reduce inflammation and slow the growth.
Common alternatives include:
Before the surgery, you will meet with our ophthalmologists for a thorough assessment of your eye health. During this consultation, they will:
On the day of surgery, the goal is to keep you comfortable. The eye is numbed with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Once it’s numb, the surgeon carefully removes the pterygium.
Next, a small piece of tissue (called a conjunctival graft) is taken from the upper part of your eye. This graft covers the area where the growth was removed. It helps the eye heal and lowers the risk of the pterygium coming back. The graft is held in place with tiny stitches or special glue.
If you suspect you have pterygium or are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, don't hesitate to reach out to a top ophthalmologist in your area. The professionals listed with Specialty Vision can provide expert evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today!
After the surgery, proper care is essential to help your eye heal and to avoid complications. Our ophthalmologists will provide detailed instructions that typically include:
Not every bump on the white of the eye is a pterygium, so it’s important to rule out other similar conditions.
A pinguecula is a small, yellowish deposit on the conjunctiva that stays off the cornea. It may cause mild redness or irritation but never extends over the clear front part of the eye.
OSSN is a rare, potentially serious growth of abnormal cells on the eye’s surface. It often requires special testing or a small biopsy to make sure the treatment approach is correct.
A pseudo-pterygium can form after eye surgery or injury and may look like a pterygium at first glance. Unlike a true pterygium, it usually has an uneven edge and does not follow the typical triangular shape.
You can’t always prevent pterygium, but protecting your eyes can lower the risk and slow its growth. Here’s how:
Choose wrap-around sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from sunlight.
This adds extra protection from the sun and wind.
Try to avoid being outside during peak sunlight hours. When you are outdoors, protect your eyes from direct light and irritants.
Routine check-ups help catch early signs of pterygium so you can manage it before it causes problems.
If you suspect you have pterygium or are experiencing discomfort in your eyes, don't hesitate to reach out to a top ophthalmologist in your area. The professionals listed with Specialty Vision can provide expert evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today!
Pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is a growth on the conjunctiva that may affect vision. Learn about symptoms and treatment options available.
