Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): Causes, Prevention and When Surgery Is Needed
Reviewed by Dr. Brandon Baker, OD
Most pterygia do not need surgery. Small, stable growths are monitored at routine eye exams, and preservative-free lubricating drops manage irritation and dryness. Surgical removal, done by an eye surgeon on referral, is reserved for a pterygium that is growing toward the centre of the cornea, affecting vision, or causing discomfort drops cannot control.
TL;DR
- Pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) comes from cumulative UV, wind and dust exposure — common in outdoor communities like Squamish.
- Wraparound, UV-blocking sunglasses are the most effective way to lower your risk.
- Most cases are simply monitored or managed with lubricating drops — not surgery.
- Surgery is reserved for growths affecting vision or causing unmanageable discomfort, and it’s done by referral.
A lot of our Squamish patients don’t think twice about a pink, slightly raised patch on the white of their eye — until it starts catching the light in the mirror, or a friend on the trail asks what it is. That’s usually a pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” and it’s one of the most common things our team sees in patients who spend serious time outdoors. Here’s what causes it, how to keep it from getting worse, and what treatment actually looks like.
Not sure whether it’s a pterygium at all? Our guide to pinguecula vs. pterygium explains how to tell them apart.
What Causes a Pterygium?
A pterygium forms from years of cumulative UV, wind and dust exposure on the surface of the eye — which is exactly why it shows up so often in an outdoor-heavy community like Squamish. Time on the water, exposed ridgelines, a windy bike commute along the highway, or just a lot of unprotected time in bright sun all add up. Chronic dry eye can also make the surface of the eye more prone to developing one, which is worth mentioning to your optometrist if dryness has been a recurring issue for you.
Can You Prevent a Pterygium?
You can meaningfully lower your risk, even if you can’t eliminate it entirely once you’re prone to one. The single most effective step is wearing wraparound, UV-blocking sunglasses any time you’re outside for an extended stretch — on the water, on the trail, or on the slopes. Coverage from the sides matters as much as the lens itself, since a lot of UV exposure sneaks in around standard frames. A wide-brimmed hat helps on top of that, and staying on top of dry eye symptoms separately reduces one of the underlying risk factors too.
Is Pterygium Treatment Always Surgery?
No — and for most people it isn’t. Treatment depends entirely on how the pterygium is behaving:
| How It’s Behaving | What We Usually Do |
|---|---|
| Small, stable growth | Monitored at your regular exams — no active treatment beyond watching for any change in size. |
| Causing irritation or dryness | Managed with preservative-free lubricating drops — we typically recommend options like Thealoz Duo or Hyabak. |
| Advancing toward the visual axis, affecting vision, or causing discomfort drops can’t manage | Surgical removal — a well-established procedure; if you get to that point, we’ll refer you and coordinate your follow-up care. |
What Happens If You Leave a Pterygium Untreated?
Most pterygia grow slowly, if at all, especially with good UV protection — but an untreated one can keep advancing across the cornea over time, and once it’s affecting your vision the treatment options narrow to surgery. Chronic irritation is also more likely to stick around the longer it’s left unaddressed. Getting it looked at while it’s small keeps your options open.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor About a Pterygium?
If you’ve noticed a new growth, an existing one seems to be changing, or your eye has been persistently irritated in a way over-the-counter drops aren’t fixing, it’s worth booking a pterygium evaluation. Our Squamish eye doctors see this often enough to tell you right away whether to monitor it or act on it.
Even if nothing feels wrong yet, a routine comprehensive eye exam is an easy way to catch changes like this early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pterygium surgery hurt?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so patients don’t feel pain during surgery; some soreness during recovery is normal and manageable with guidance from your surgeon.
Can eye drops shrink a pterygium?
Lubricating drops manage the irritation and dryness that come with a pterygium, but they don’t shrink or remove the growth itself — only surgery does that.
How fast does a pterygium grow?
Growth rate varies a lot by person; some stay stable for years, especially with consistent UV protection, while others progress more noticeably. Regular monitoring is how we track which category yours falls into.
Do you treat pterygium in Squamish?
Yes — our downtown clinic near Save On Foods evaluates and manages pterygium and pinguecula for patients across the Sea to Sky Corridor.
Is a pterygium a type of cancer?
No. It’s a non-cancerous growth, though any new growth on the eye should still be examined.
Can a pterygium come back after surgery?
It can. Surgeons often use a small tissue graft to lower that risk, and wearing UV protection afterward matters.
Noticed a growth on your eye, or overdue for a UV-protection check before ski or paddle season? Book an appointment at Garibaldi Eye Care in downtown Squamish — we’d love to see you.
Source
Medical background for this article was checked against the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ Pterygium overview (opto.ca).
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your optometrist for personalized care.
