Pterygium

What is pterygium?

Pterygium is a pink, fleshy growth of tissue that forms on the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that lines your eyelids and covers the surface of your eye. This growth of tissue usually forms on the side closest to your eye and grows towards your pupil. Pterygium surgery will remove this abnormal tissue growth from the cornea and the sclera (white of the eye).

What to expect from the procedure

The procedure usually takes about half an hour and you will be lightly sedated to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Your eye will be completely numbed so you won’t be able to see, but you will still be aware of your surroundings.

During the surgery, the pterygium will be eliminated and replaced with a graft of tissue. This procedure requires no sutures and is completely painless. The sedation will make you slightly groggy so you need a lift home after your procedure.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time for pterygium is relatively quick. If there are no complications, you should be able to return to work after two days.

After a week, the adhesive used to secure the tissue graft will start to dissolve. Over the next two to four weeks, your eye will slowly return to normal.