Vision after pterygium removal surgery usually improves over several weeks as the surface smooths, with many people noticing stable clarity by one to three months.
Early visual changes
In the first days vision is often blurred and sensitive to light. This is mainly due to surface irregularity, stitches, graft edges, and the normal healing response rather than deeper eye problems.
- Blur tends to be worst in the first week and then gradually lessens.
- Ointment and frequent drops can temporarily smudge vision but protect healing tissue.
- Reading and screen work may feel tiring; frequent breaks are helpful.
- Your clinician will check that the cornea is clearing and the graft is secure.
- Sudden, severe loss of sight at any stage needs urgent assessment.
Longer term stability
As stitches dissolve or are removed and the graft settles, the cornea usually becomes smoother. Astigmatism may change, so glasses prescriptions are often reviewed once healing has progressed.
- Many people feel vision is reasonably stable by four to six weeks, though fine tuning continues.
- Your specialist may suggest waiting a couple of months before updating glasses.
- Ongoing dryness or scarring can cause mild fluctuation; lubricants often help.
- Regular follow-up ensures any recurrence or surface irregularity is caught early.
- Discuss concerns if vision seems to worsen again after an initial improvement.
