Pterygium (surfer’s eye) is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye. It’s usually triangular or wing-shaped, hence the name “pterygium,” which comes from the Greek word for “wing.”*Causes:*1. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation (sunlight)2. Dry environments3. Wind4. Dust5. Sand6. Genetics7. Age*Symptoms:*1. Visible growth on the eye2. Redness3. Inflammation4. Irritation5. Dryness6. Blurred vision (rarely)7. Discomfort*Types:*1. Primary pterygium: Most common type, usually caused by UV exposure.2. Secondary pterygium: Results from injury, surgery, or other eye conditions.3. Recurrent pterygium: Returns after surgical removal.*Treatment:*1. Conservative management: – Lubricating eye drops – Sunglasses with UV protection – Avoiding irritants2. Surgical removal: – Excision (removal of the growth) – Conjunctival autograft (transplanting healthy tissue) – Amniotic membrane graft3. Advanced treatments: – Mitomycin C (anticancer medication) – Beta radiation*Complications:*1. Vision loss (rare)2. Chronic inflammation3. Scarring4. Recurrence5. Astigmatism*Prevention:*1. Wear sunglasses with UV protection2. Use lubricating eye drops3. Avoid prolonged UV exposure4. Wear protective eyewear (e.g., goggles)5. Maintain good eye hygiene*Who’s at risk:*1. Outdoor workers (e.g., construction, farming)2. Surfers3. Beachgoers4. People living near the equator5. Those with family historyConsult an eye care professional if you experience symptoms or notice a growth on your eye.
