Pterygium removal can relieve irritation and protect the clear cornea but recovery takes several weeks. Understanding healing and recurrence risk helps you look after your eye long term.
What is it
A pterygium is a wing shaped growth of tissue that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. Surgery removes the growth and often adds a thin graft of healthy conjunctiva to reduce regrowth.
After surgery the surface of the eye is healing and can feel scratchy or watery. Eye drops are a key part of the recovery process.
Recovery timeline
Redness and discomfort are strongest in the first few days. Vision may be blurred until the surface becomes smooth again.
- Gritty or foreign body sensation while the surface heals
- Use of antibiotic and anti inflammatory drops for several weeks
- Sensitivity to light and wind so sunglasses are helpful
