Pterygium Surgery

Surgical removal of pterygium with conjunctival autograft technique to minimise recurrence and restore corneal clarity.

Overview

Pterygium surgery removes the fleshy, wing-shaped tissue growth that can extend from the white of the eye onto the cornea. While pterygia are benign, they can cause significant discomfort, cosmetic concern, and—if left to progress—visual disturbance.

At Menassa Vision, Ms. Menassa performs pterygium excision using the conjunctival autograft technique. This involves removing the pterygium and replacing the area with a small graft of healthy tissue taken from under your upper eyelid. This approach is considered the gold standard because it significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

In selected cases, anti-scarring agents such as mitomycin-C may be used to further reduce recurrence rates. The decision to use adjunctive treatment is made on an individual basis, weighing the benefits against any small additional risks.

Surgery is typically performed as a day case under local anaesthesia. While the eye will be red and uncomfortable for the first week or two, most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The cosmetic improvement is often dramatic once healing is complete.

What This Means for You

Permanent removal of the pterygium with low recurrence rate
Improved cosmetic appearance of the eye
Relief from chronic irritation and discomfort
Prevention of further corneal involvement and visual disturbance
Same-day procedure with relatively quick recovery

Ms. Menassa's Approach

Ms. Menassa's expertise in ocular surface disease means she understands the factors that contribute to pterygium formation and recurrence. She takes a meticulous surgical approach, ensuring complete removal of abnormal tissue while preserving healthy structures.

The conjunctival autograft is carefully harvested and secured with fine sutures or tissue glue, depending on the individual case. Post-operative care includes lubricating drops and anti-inflammatory medication to optimise healing.

She also provides guidance on UV protection to help prevent future pterygium development or recurrence—an often-overlooked aspect of comprehensive pterygium management.

Is This Right for You?

Patients with pterygia causing visual disturbance or threatening the visual axis
Those experiencing chronic irritation, redness, or foreign body sensation from pterygium
Patients with cosmetically bothersome pterygium affecting confidence
Contact lens wearers whose pterygium interferes with lens fit or comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

With modern conjunctival autograft technique, recurrence rates are approximately 5% or less—significantly lower than older methods. Ms. Menassa will discuss ways to minimise recurrence risk, including UV protection.

The eye will be red for the first 2-4 weeks as healing occurs. By 6-8 weeks, most patients have a white, comfortable eye with minimal visible scarring. Final cosmetic result continues to improve over several months.

While it is possible to treat both eyes in a single session, most surgeons prefer to operate on one eye at a time. This allows assessment of healing and technique refinement if needed for the second eye.

Pterygia are strongly associated with UV light exposure. Wearing good quality sunglasses that block UVA and UVB, using a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure will help prevent new pterygia or recurrence.