---
title: What is pterygium surgery?
description: "Pterygium surgery removes a wedge-shaped growth of tissue that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. The procedure aims to improve comfort, appearance, and sometimes vision. ## How pterygium surgery works After excising the pterygium, the surgeon…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/treatments-procedures/what-is-pterygium-surgery/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Treatments & Procedures"
---

# What is pterygium surgery?

Pterygium surgery removes a wedge-shaped growth of tissue that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. The procedure aims to improve comfort, appearance, and sometimes vision.

## How pterygium surgery works

After excising the pterygium, the surgeon usually places a thin graft of healthy conjunctiva to reduce the chance of regrowth. Stitches or tissue glue hold the graft in place while it heals.

- Helps relieve redness, irritation, and pulling sensations
- Usually carried out under local anaesthetic
- Regular lubrication is important during recovery

## Further information

Pterygium removal is part of the [pterygium and pinguecula removal](https://bluefinvision.com/pterygium-and-pinguecula-removal/) service. A neutral blog explainer is [pterygium removal in Hatfield](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/pterygium-removal-in-hatfield/), which discusses technique and aftercare.