Pterygium: Surfer’s Eye
Pterygium is a noncancerous growth that looks like a raised white/pink tissue on the white of one or both eyes. It is often called surfer’s eye because it tends to affect people who often work or play outdoors, especially surfers.
While not typically a serious condition, pterygium can continue to grow until it covers the cornea, leading to distortion of the cornea (astigmatism) and blurred vision.
Surfer’s Eye Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of something foreign in the eye
Causes of Surfer’s Eye
Pterygium tends to affect people age 20 to 40 and it is more common in men. There is no single cause of pterygium; however, there are certain conditions that may increase your risk:
- Excessive exposure to UV light (being outdoors)
- Exposure to dust, wind, sand and other irritants
- Dry eye
- Not wearing sunglasses or hats outdoors
- Low humidity environments
Surfer’s Eye Treatment
Medicated or lubricating eye drops can help ease irritation caused by pterygium. If the lesion begins to threaten your sight or makes you feel self-conscious, pterygium surgery to remove the growth may be recommended. To reduce the risk of recurrence, our pterygium doctors in Virginia Beach may perform an amniotic membrane transplant (AMT) graft where the former pterygium was located.
To learn more about surfer’s eye, or if you are experiencing the symptoms of surfer’s eye, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.