Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)

Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is a pterygium (surfer's eye)?

    A pterygium, from the Greek word for “wing,” is an abnormal growth of tissue that extends from the conjunctiva (a membrane that covers the white of the eye) onto the cornea. Pterygia may be small, or grow large enough to interfere with vision and cause irritation. These growths are commonly located on the inner corner of the eye.

    Pterygia occur more often in people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, especially in sunny, windy climates. The exact cause of pterygia is not well understood. Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) rays, wind, and chronic eye irritation from dry, dusty conditions seems to play an important causal role.

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment, please call 734-764-4190.

    What are the symptoms of pterygium?

    Symptoms include:

    • Appearance of a raised pink, white, or red lesion on the eye
    • Redness and irritation of the eye
    • Foreign body sensation
    • Decreased or blurry vision

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have a pterygium. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    How is pterygium diagnosed?

    A pterygium can be diagnosed during a routine eye examination. Sometimes photos will be taken to document growth or to measure astigmatism (abnormal curvature) from the pterygium that may contribute to decreased vision. It is important to see an eye doctor, since other more serious conditions can appear that are similar to pterygia.

    How is pterygium treated?

    When a pterygium becomes red and irritated, topical eye drops or ointments may be used to help reduce inflammation. If the pterygium continues to be irritated, grows large enough to threaten sight, or becomes cosmetically unsightly, it can be removed surgically. Sometimes pterygia can recur after surgical removal.

    Locations
    • Cornea & Refractive Surgery Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Elevator B Floor 3
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center-Grand Blanc 3181 E Grand Blanc Rd
      Grand Blanc, MI 48439-2709       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza 380 Parkland Plaza Ste 210
      Floor 2
      Ann Arbor, MI 48103-6201       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Theresa M Cooney, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Pauline Dmitriev, MD

    Pauline Dmitriev, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Farida Esaa Hakim, MD

    Farida Esaa Hakim, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Christopher Hood, MD

    Christopher Thomas Hood, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Shahzad Ihsan Mian, MD

    Shahzad Ihsan Mian, MD

    Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Nambi Nallasamy, MD

    Nambi Nallasamy, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Roni Mintz Shtein, MD, MS

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Hunson Soong, MD

    Hunson Kaz Soong, MD

    Professor Emeritus

    Ophthalmology

    Alan Sugar, MD

    Professor Emeritus

    Ophthalmology

    Angela Joy Verkade, MD

    Angela Joy Verkade, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

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