When your eye starts to develop a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth on the white part, it’s often a pterygium, a noncancerous growth of tissue that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. Also known as surfer’s eye, it’s not a tumor — but it can grow enough to cover your pupil and mess with your vision. This isn’t rare. People who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny, windy, or dusty environments — think farmers, construction workers, surfers, or even daily commuters without sunglasses — are at higher risk. It’s not just about aging. It’s about exposure.
Many confuse pterygium, a fleshy growth that can invade the cornea and affect vision. Also known as surfer’s eye, it’s not a tumor — but it can grow enough to cover your pupil and mess with your vision. with pinguecula, a yellowish, raised bump on the conjunctiva that doesn’t cross the cornea. The difference matters. Pinguecula stays on the white of the eye and rarely causes vision problems. Pterygium creeps inward. If it gets big, it can distort your cornea and cause astigmatism. You might feel grit, redness, or a constant urge to rub your eye. That’s not just dryness — it’s your eye reacting to something growing on it.
Most cases don’t need surgery. If it’s small and not bothering you, artificial tears and UV-blocking sunglasses are often enough. But if it’s growing, causing blurred vision, or just looks bad to you, removal is an option. The procedure is quick, done in-office under local anesthesia, and recovery takes about a week. Still, it can come back — especially if you keep going outside without protection. That’s why prevention isn’t optional. Wearing wraparound sunglasses with UV400 protection isn’t a luxury — it’s your best defense.
You’ll find posts here that dig into how UV exposure triggers this growth, what medications help with the irritation, and when surgery is truly necessary. Some talk about how people manage symptoms without going under the knife. Others compare recovery times and success rates after removal. There’s even advice on choosing the right sunglasses — not just any pair, but ones that actually block the right wavelengths. This isn’t just about eye health. It’s about protecting your vision before it’s too late.
Pterygium is a sun-induced eye growth that can blur vision and cause discomfort. Learn how UV exposure triggers it, what surgical options work best, and how to prevent it from coming back.
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