Do all pterygia need surgery?

No — many are observed for years with lubrication and serious sunglasses. Surgery earns its place when growth, vision or chronic irritation says so.

Will a pterygium come back after surgery?

Recurrence is the historic weakness of this surgery; grafted technique plus disciplined aftercare and UV protection is how the odds are beaten.

Is the redness after surgery normal?

Early redness is expected and fades over weeks; we track it at your checks and flag anything outside the healing script.

A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that starts on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) and extends onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is whitish or pinkish, can be flat or raised, and can form in one or both eyes. Most are managed without surgery, which is usually saved for serious cases. It can make the eye red and irritated, and one that grows far enough onto the cornea can cause astigmatism and blurry vision.

What causes a pterygium?

The exact cause isn't settled, but pterygia are associated with years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light, and they are most common in tropical regions. One can grow over months to years. Prevention centers on blocking UV: sunglasses that block UVA and UVB, a hat outdoors, and UV protection in prescription glasses. Lubricating drops ease the redness and irritation. Your plan here includes both UV-blocking sunwear and lubrication.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Pterygium Surgery Co-Management

The growth UV built — removed once, kept from coming back.

A pterygium is a wing of tissue that creeps from the white of the eye onto the cornea, fed by years of sun, wind and dust. Small ones are managed with lubrication and sun protection; ones that threaten vision or won’t quiet down are removed by a surgeon — and the aftercare determines whether it returns.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Bright coastal light, sunglasses in hand

Cause: UV, wind and dust exposure
Watch for: Growth toward the pupil
Surgery: Removal with grafting, by the surgeon
The battle after: Preventing recurrence

The arc

Document, remove, defend.

01
Document and decide
We photograph and measure the growth over time; surgery is recommended when it advances, distorts vision or stays inflamed.
02
Removal with graft
Modern technique covers the removal site with a graft, which drives recurrence rates down.
03
Healing weeks
Drop schedules, comfort checks and surface care run through our eye clinic in Los Angeles.
04
Defense forever
UV-blocking sunwear and lubrication are the long game; we build both into your plan, with prescription sun options in the optical.

Why co-manage here

One plan, two offices, zero gaps.

Candidacy work-up and corneal maps before anyone operates
Records and measurements shared directly with the surgical team
Your post-op checks minutes from home, with same-day access if anything feels wrong
The full co-management picture

Book a candidacy work-up

Common questions

Pterygium, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

No — many are observed for years with lubrication and serious sunglasses. Surgery earns its place when growth, vision or chronic irritation says so.
Recurrence is the historic weakness of this surgery; grafted technique plus disciplined aftercare and UV protection is how the odds are beaten.
Early redness is expected and fades over weeks; we track it at your checks and flag anything outside the healing script.
A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that starts on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) and extends onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is whitish or pinkish, can be flat or raised, and can form in one or both eyes. Most are managed without surgery, which is usually saved for serious cases. It can make the eye red and irritated, and one that grows far enough onto the cornea can cause astigmatism and blurry vision.
The exact cause isn't settled, but pterygia are associated with years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light, and they are most common in tropical regions. One can grow over months to years. Prevention centers on blocking UV: sunglasses that block UVA and UVB, a hat outdoors, and UV protection in prescription glasses. Lubricating drops ease the redness and irritation. Your plan here includes both UV-blocking sunwear and lubrication.

Pterygium near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

A growth creeping toward the pupil?

Photograph it now and decide with data later, which is how pterygium care should run.

Book an evaluation Or call 310-828-2010