Pterygium Surgery

Outpatient pterygium surgery removes the growth, eases symptoms, and improves appearance—so you can get back to clear, comfortable vision.

What is a Pterygium?

A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of scar tissue that begins on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue over the white of the eye) and can extend onto the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). A smaller, localized bump on the conjunctiva is called a pinguecula; once the growth reaches the cornea, it’s a pterygium.

Symptoms of Pterygium

  • A small white or red spot near the cornea
  • Dryness, irritation, burning, scratchy sensation, or tired eyes
  • Increasing redness or recurrent inflammation
  • Blurry vision or distortion as the growth moves onto the cornea
  • If the growth reaches the central cornea, vision can become very blurry
Pterygium Surgery In Las Vegas

Close up of artifical tears.

When is Treatment Needed?

Small, quiet pterygia often need only protection and lubrication. Treatment is recommended if you have:

  1. Uncontrolled redness or irritation
  2. Visual symptoms (blur, distortion) or growth toward the pupil
  3. Frequent flare-ups that don’t respond to drops

Non-Surgical Treatment

  1. UV protection: Quality sunglasses and hats to limit sun exposure
  2. Artificial tears: 4–6×/day during dryness or scratchiness
  3. Short courses of mild steroid drops during flares (as directed by your doctor)

Pterygium Surgery (Removal)

Pterygium removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed with anesthetic eye drops, requiring no overnight stay.

What we do

  1. Carefully lift and excise the scar tissue from the eye’s surface.
  2. To reduce the risk of return, we place a conjunctival autograft (a small patch of your healthy conjunctiva) and secure it with sutures or adhesive.

Pain & comfort

Expect scratchy discomfort and light sensitivity for 2–3 days, with minor irritation up to a week. Most patients feel close to normal in 7–10 days. Eye drops and pain medication help with any discomfort.

Preparation for Pterygium Surgery

View Video

Recovery & Follow-Up

View Video

  1. Vision: Typically blurry for 2–3 days, improving over 4–5 days; usually clearer within a few weeks.
  2. Visits: Day 1 after surgery, 1 week, then a final check at 6–8 weeks.
  3. Drops: Several prescribed drops to prevent infection and reduce the chance of regrowth.

Risks & Recurrence

All surgeries have risks. The primary concern after pterygium surgery is recurrence—the growth can return weeks to years later. The approximate recurrence risk is ~10% within the first 5 years, and the conjunctival autograft technique helps lower that risk. Rare issues include double vision if scar tissue affects muscles, worsening scarring, persistent irritation/redness/dry eye, and—rarely—worsened vision.

Insurance & Cost

Insurance typically covers surgery when symptomatic (uncontrolled redness, irritation, or blurred vision). Cosmetic removal is usually not covered. Co-pays and deductibles vary by plan—our billing team will outline your out-of-pocket costs before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pterygium Surgery

If you’re considering having pterygium removal surgery, read through our FAQ and contact us if you have further questions.

No, anesthetic drops are used during the procedure. Afterward, expect scratchy discomfort and light sensitivity for 2–3 days.

Vision is blurry for a few days, improving over the first week; most people feel near-normal by 7–10 days, with further clarity over the next few weeks.

Yes. Recurrence is possible (~10% in five years). UV protection and the autograft technique help reduce the risk.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat, lubricate the eyes in dry/windy conditions, and follow your drop schedule.

Ready to treat pterygium symptoms or get a second opinion in Las Vegas?


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