Pterygium: What It Is, How It Develops, and What You Can Do

When you see a pink, fleshy tissue growing over the white part of your eye, it’s often a pterygium, a benign growth on the conjunctiva that can extend toward the cornea. Also known as surfer’s eye, it’s not a tumor, but it can blur vision if it grows too far. This condition happens most often in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially under strong sunlight without proper eye protection.

Pterygium doesn’t appear overnight. It develops slowly, often starting as a small bump called a pinguecula, a yellowish, raised deposit on the conjunctiva caused by UV exposure and dust. Over time, this bump can grow into a wing-shaped tissue that creeps onto the cornea. It’s common in people living near the equator, surfers, farmers, construction workers, and anyone regularly exposed to wind, sand, or bright sunlight. While it’s usually painless, it can cause redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling—like sand is stuck in your eye.

What makes pterygium tricky is that it’s not just about looks. If it grows large enough, it can distort the shape of your cornea, leading to astigmatism and blurry vision. Surgery is an option if it starts affecting sight or becomes too uncomfortable, but it can come back—even after removal. That’s why prevention matters more than treatment. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors cuts your risk dramatically. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still damage your eyes. The good news? Most cases stay small and never need more than lubricating eye drops or anti-inflammatory medication.

There’s no magic cure, but understanding how pterygium forms helps you take control. It’s not caused by reading too much or using screens—it’s environmental. And while it’s not dangerous in the way cancer is, ignoring it can lead to long-term vision changes. The posts below cover everything from real patient experiences with eye growths to how doctors decide when to intervene, what treatments actually work, and how to protect your eyes before it’s too late.