Introduction
Specialist assessment and treatment for pterygium, including advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment planning, and surgery where appropriate.
At The Retina Clinic London, we assess pterygium using detailed slit-lamp examination and advanced imaging, including Anterior Segment OCT where clinically appropriate. For patients who require intervention, treatment is planned by experienced surgeons and can be carried out in our on-site operating theatre with the support of a dedicated team.
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Call +44 (0)20 4548 5310
Overview
A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the surface of the eye. It usually begins on the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, and can extend onto the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Some pterygia remain small and stable, while others can cause persistent redness, irritation, cosmetic concern, or changes in vision.
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide specialist assessment and treatment for pterygium, from conservative management through to surgery where appropriate. Our approach combines detailed examination, advanced imaging, experienced surgical care, and close follow-up, all tailored to the individual patient.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is often described as a wedge-shaped or fleshy growth on the white of the eye. It is commonly associated with long-term irritation of the ocular surface, particularly from ultraviolet light, wind, dust, dryness, and environmental exposure.
Although benign, a pterygium can become inflamed, more noticeable, or gradually extend onto the cornea. In some patients, this may begin to affect the surface of the eye, visual quality, or overall comfort.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pterygium can vary depending on its size, position, and activity. They may include:
- Redness of the eye
- Irritation or a gritty sensation
- Dryness or watering
- Intermittent inflammation
- A visible fleshy growth on the white of the eye
- Blurred or distorted vision in more advanced cases
- Cosmetic concerns about the appearance of the eye
Some patients notice very little at first, while others become increasingly troubled by irritation, appearance, or progressive symptoms.
Causes and risk factors
Pterygium is most often linked to chronic environmental exposure and ocular surface irritation. Risk factors may include:
- Ultraviolet light exposure
Wind - Dust and airborne irritants
- Dry or sunny climates
- Prolonged time outdoors
- Underlying ocular surface dryness
Not every pterygium progresses, but specialist assessment is important if it becomes symptomatic, appears to be enlarging, or starts to affect vision.
How we assess pterygium at The Retina Clinic London
Careful diagnosis is central to good treatment planning. At The Retina Clinic London, your assessment is consultant-led and designed to determine not only whether a pterygium is present, but whether it is active, progressing, or affecting the cornea and visual function.
Our assessment may include:
- Detailed slit-lamp examination
- Evaluation of the size, thickness, and position of the pterygium
- Assessment of corneal involvement
- Review of ocular surface inflammation and dryness
- Analysis of whether the lesion may be affecting visual quality
- Anterior Segment OCT to provide high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the front of the eye where clinically appropriate
This combination of clinical examination and advanced imaging allows us to assess the pterygium with precision and tailor treatment accordingly.
When does a pterygium need treatment?
Not every pterygium needs to be removed. In many patients, the best approach is careful monitoring and symptom control. Treatment is usually considered when the pterygium:
- Causes persistent redness, irritation, or discomfort
- Repeatedly becomes inflamed
- Extends onto the cornea
- Affects visual clarity
- Alters the shape of the cornea
- Continues to progress over time
- Becomes a significant cosmetic concern
Our aim is to recommend intervention only when it is genuinely appropriate and likely to offer meaningful benefit.
Treatment options
Conservative treatment
For mild or stable cases, treatment may focus on improving comfort and reducing irritation. This may include:
- Lubricating eye drops
- Anti-inflammatory treatment where appropriate
- Ocular surface support
- Ultraviolet protection with high-quality sunglasses
- Follow-up if there is concern about progression
Surgical treatment
Surgical removal may be recommended if the pterygium is progressing, affecting the cornea, causing ongoing discomfort, or becoming a significant cosmetic or visual concern.
At The Retina Clinic London, pterygium surgery is carefully planned and performed by experienced surgeons using modern microsurgical techniques designed to remove abnormal tissue while restoring the ocular surface as smoothly as possible. Where appropriate, this includes conjunctival autografting to support healing and help reduce the risk of recurrence.
A major advantage of our service is that procedures can be carried out in our on-site operating theatre, supported by a dedicated theatre team. This allows for a seamless patient journey from specialist assessment and imaging through to surgery and aftercare within one coordinated service.
Recovery after pterygium surgery
Pterygium surgery is typically performed under local anaesthetic as a day-case procedure.
After surgery, it is normal to experience:
- Mild discomfort
- Redness
- Temporary watering or irritation
- Gradual improvement over the healing period
Patients are usually prescribed eye drops to support healing and reduce inflammation. Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor recovery closely and support the best possible long-term result.
Many patients return to day-to-day activities relatively quickly, although recovery varies depending on the individual eye and the treatment performed.
Can a pterygium come back?
Recurrence is an important consideration in pterygium treatment. Although recurrence is possible, modern surgical techniques have significantly improved long-term stability compared with older methods.
Careful surgical planning, meticulous technique, appropriate aftercare, and long-term ultraviolet protection all help to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Why choose The Retina Clinic London for pterygium care?
Patients choose The Retina Clinic London for specialist assessment, advanced diagnostics, and carefully planned treatment for pterygium in a private clinical setting.
Our service includes:
- Consultant-led assessment
- Detailed slit-lamp examination
- Advanced imaging including Anterior Segment OCT
- Experienced surgeons
- Access to an on-site operating theatre
- A dedicated theatre team
- Personalised treatment planning
- Continuity of care from consultation to aftercare
This allows us to provide a highly coordinated approach, from precise diagnosis through to surgery and follow-up where needed.
When to seek specialist advice
You should arrange an ophthalmic assessment if you notice:
- A visible growth on the eye
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Increasing dryness or discomfort
- A change in the appearance of the eye
- Blurred vision or increasing visual distortion
Early assessment can help determine whether the pterygium is stable or whether treatment should be considered before the cornea becomes more involved.
Book a consultation
All new patients begin with a private consultation, during which we carry out a detailed specialist assessment and discuss the most appropriate next step for your eye health.
To book your consultation, please call us on +44 (0)20 4548 5310.
We’ll be glad to guide you through the next steps.