- Reference Number: HEY1641/2026
- Departments: Ophthalmology Department
- Last Updated: 30 April 2026
Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.
What is A Pterygium?
You have probably been troubled by some symptoms. Following discussion with your doctor they have advised a pterygium excision. A pterygium (tur-IJ-ee-um) is a benign growth of the conjunctiva (thin layer covering whites of the eye) that extends onto the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye.
A pterygium may cause redness, irritation, dryness, or a gritty sensation. In more severe cases, it can disrupt the smooth surface of the cornea, change your glasses prescription, or block vision if it grows over the central part of the cornea.
What is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear dome shaped surface at the front of your eye. It helps focus light so you can see clearly. If it becomes scarred, swollen or losses its clarity, vision becomes blurry or distorted.
Why do I need Pterygium Excision?
Surgery is usually advised if:
- The pterygium is growing over your central cornea and affecting your vision.
- It causes persistent discomfort that cannot be relieved with artificial tears or lubricants.
Surgery removes the pterygium and replaces the affected area with a graft of your own conjunctival tissue (usually taken from under the upper eyelid). This reduces the risk of recurrence and helps restore a smoother corneal surface.
Alternative treatments, such as lubricating drops or anti-inflammatory medications, may help with mild symptoms but do not remove the pterygium.
Can there be any complications or risks?
Pterygium surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical treatment, there are possible complications and risks that must be considered carefully:
- Recurrence, Infection, Bleeding
- Scarring: May leave a faint corneal scar, visual effects are usually minimal
- Loss of vision (rare)
How do I prepare for Pterygium Excision?
Please read the information leaflet. Share the information it contains with your family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support. There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you following this examination.
- Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise
- Eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon
- Bring any eye drops you are currently using
What will happen?
Attend at your scheduled time; expect some waiting.
Waiting times varies on theatre schedule, be prepared to wait a few hours after arrival
You will be greeted by nursing staff and taken to the operating theatre. Anaesthesia may be:
Local anaesthetic: kept awake and eye numbed with drops or injection
General anaesthetic: asleep during the operation, usually for more complex or recurrent cases
What actually takes place during a Pterygium Excision?
- The pterygium is removed from the cornea and sclera.
- A graft of your own conjunctiva is taken, usually from under the upper eyelid.
- The graft is secured using tissue adhesive (medical glue).
- The cornea heals naturally; a soft contact lens is placed for comfort.
The procedure typically lasts around 45 minutes.
What happens afterwards?
After your procedure, an eye pad will be placed overnight to help the graft settle. It is normal to experience some soreness, scratchiness, or a gritty sensation for 1 to 2 weeks. Redness and mild discomfort may persist for several weeks, and full healing can take up to three months. You will be prescribed antibiotic drops for two weeks, along with steroid and lubricating drops for up to three months. Pain can usually be managed with eye drops, ointments, and, if needed, oral pain relief. You may need to take 1 to 2 weeks off work, depending on your recovery. Please check with your doctor before resuming driving and avoid getting water into the affected eye during the early healing period.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Care
- Avoid rubbing the eye
- Avoid dusty or dirty environments
- Avoid swimming until cleared by your doctor
- Wear eye protection for any activity that risks eye injury
- Use eye drops as prescribed
Possible Complications / When to seek help
While most patients recover well, it is important to be aware of potential complications. You should seek immediate medical advice if you notice increasing pain, redness, or swelling in the eye, worsening or blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. Although uncommon, complications can include infection, corneal ulceration (which is rare), and recurrence of the pterygium.
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Ophthalmology Department Monday to Friday 08:30AM to 18:00PM on Tel: 01482 608788 / Tel: 01482 816658 or Tel: 01482 604385 if out of hours.
General Advice and Consent
Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.
Consent to treatment
Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.
The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:
- you must be able to give your consent
- you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
- you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person
Information about you
We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.
We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.
If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.