A small fleshy growth creeping from the white of the eye towards the coloured part can be unsettling to notice. This is often a pterygium – commonly called surfer’s eye – and it is particularly relevant in sunny Australian conditions. While it is usually not dangerous, it can become uncomfortable, affect vision and, in some cases, require specialist treatment.
For people in Auburn, Parramatta, Lidcombe and across Western Sydney, the most useful first step is a proper eye examination. A pterygium can look similar to other surface eye changes, and the right approach depends on its size, symptoms and whether it is affecting the cornea or your sight.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a triangular growth of tissue that begins on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye. It most often develops on the side closest to the nose and may slowly extend onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
It is not cancer. However, because it can gradually change shape or grow over time, it should not simply be ignored. An optometrist can document its appearance, assess your eye health and monitor whether it is moving towards the central part of the cornea.
A pterygium is different from a pinguecula. A pinguecula is a yellowish, raised patch on the white of the eye that does not grow onto the cornea. It can still become irritated, but it does not usually threaten vision in the way an advancing pterygium can.
Why does pterygium develop?
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light is the main known risk factor. This helps explain why pterygium is more common in Australia, particularly among people who spend significant time outdoors. Reflected UV exposure from water, sand and concrete can also matter, not only direct sunshine.
Dry, dusty and windy conditions may further irritate the eye surface. Outdoor workers, drivers, gardeners, people who play sport outside, and anyone regularly exposed to sun and wind can be more likely to develop symptoms. It can also occur in people who do not consider themselves particularly outdoorsy, especially after years of cumulative exposure.
Pterygium is more common in adults, but sun protection matters at every age. Children and teenagers build up UV exposure over time, so a good pair of sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat are practical family habits, not just holiday accessories.
Pterygium symptoms to watch for
Some people have no symptoms and notice the growth only when looking closely in the mirror or when someone else points it out. Others experience ongoing irritation that feels much like dry eye.
Common symptoms include redness, burning, grittiness, watering, itchiness and the feeling that something is in the eye. The affected eye may look more red after a hot, windy day or long periods outdoors. Contact lens wear can become less comfortable when the surface of the eye is inflamed.
As a pterygium grows, it can alter the curve of the cornea and cause astigmatism. This may lead to blurred vision or a change in glasses prescription. If it extends far enough towards the pupil, it can physically interfere with vision.
Not every red or irritated eye is caused by a pterygium. Dry eye disease, allergy, eyelid inflammation, infection and a scratched cornea can cause similar symptoms. This is why self-diagnosis, particularly when symptoms are persistent or one-sided, is not ideal.
When should you arrange an eye examination?
Book an eye examination if you notice a new growth, persistent redness, recurring irritation or a change in vision. It is especially worthwhile if the growth seems to be increasing in size, has become more raised, or is making contact lenses difficult to wear.
Some symptoms need more urgent assessment. Seek same-day advice for sudden or significant vision loss, severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, an eye injury, chemical exposure, discharge with pain, or a very red eye accompanied by nausea or headache. These symptoms can indicate problems other than a pterygium and should not wait for a routine check.
During an examination, your optometrist will look closely at the front of the eye using magnification and illumination. They may measure vision, check your prescription, assess the tear film and take photographs or measurements to compare changes over future visits. If the pterygium is close to the visual axis, growing quickly, unusually shaped or causing significant symptoms, referral to an ophthalmologist may be recommended.
Treatment for pterygium depends on its impact
Many pterygia can be managed conservatively. If the main issue is dryness or mild irritation, lubricating eye drops may improve comfort by supporting the eye surface. Your optometrist may recommend a particular type of preservative-free lubricant based on your symptoms and how often you need to use it.
For a pterygium that becomes inflamed, short-term anti-inflammatory treatment may sometimes be appropriate. These medicines must be prescribed and monitored by an eye-care professional. Avoid using redness-relief drops regularly. They may temporarily make the eye look whiter, but they do not treat the underlying condition and can worsen redness with frequent use.
Surgery is generally considered when a pterygium is threatening vision, causing meaningful astigmatism, progressing towards the centre of the cornea, remaining very uncomfortable despite treatment, or creating a substantial cosmetic concern. Surgery involves removing the abnormal tissue, often with a small graft of healthy conjunctival tissue to reduce the chance of recurrence.
The timing of surgery is an individual decision. Removing a very small, stable pterygium purely because it is visible may not always be the best option, as every procedure has risks and recurrence remains possible. On the other hand, waiting until it has grown considerably can make surgery more complex and may leave more corneal scarring. Regular monitoring gives you and your eye-care team a clearer basis for deciding.
Protecting your eyes from further growth
Sun protection is one of the most valuable things you can do, whether you have a pterygium, a pinguecula or neither. Choose sunglasses that provide UV protection and fit close enough to reduce sunlight entering from the sides. Wraparound styles can be particularly helpful for outdoor work, beach days, fishing, cycling and sport.
A broad-brimmed hat adds another layer of protection. Sunglasses are still worthwhile on overcast days, as UV radiation can remain high even when the sun does not feel strong. For people who work outdoors, keeping protective eyewear in the ute, work bag or by the front door makes the habit easier to maintain.
Managing dryness may also help reduce irritation. Take regular breaks from air-conditioning and screens, stay aware of dusty or windy conditions, and use lubricating drops if they have been recommended for you. If you wear contact lenses and your eye is repeatedly red or uncomfortable, arrange a review rather than pushing through the discomfort.
Looking after your eye health close to home
Pterygium often changes slowly, which can make it easy to put off assessment. Yet a straightforward examination can confirm what is happening, address uncomfortable symptoms and establish a useful baseline for future comparison.
At Boda Family Eye Care, a thorough assessment can help determine whether your pterygium needs monitoring, eye-surface treatment or referral for specialist care. Bringing your sunglasses to your appointment can also be useful if you would like advice on whether they provide appropriate protection.
If an eye growth, redness or blurred vision has been bothering you, arranging an examination now can provide clarity and help protect your comfort and vision for the years ahead.