Treatment

Pterygium Excision Surgery

Also known as Pterygium Removal, Surfer's Eye Surgery, Conjunctival Autograft Surgery, Pterygium Excision With Graft, Recurrent Pterygium Surgery

Updated May 19, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Pterygium excision removes a fleshy growth from the eye surface. Modern surgery often uses a tissue graft to lower the chance it comes back.

Pterygium excision removes a wedge-shaped growth that has moved from the white of the eye onto the cornea. Surgery is usually considered when the growth affects vision, causes ongoing irritation, or is a major cosmetic concern.

Removing the growth alone has a higher recurrence risk. A conjunctival autograft uses healthy surface tissue from the same eye to cover the bare area and reduce recurrence 1.

Recovery takes weeks. Redness can last longer, and sun protection helps reduce irritation and recurrence risk 2.

What Happens During Surgery

The eye is numbed. The surgeon peels the pterygium from the cornea and removes abnormal tissue from the white of the eye.

A conjunctival autograft uses healthy tissue from the same eye to cover the bare area. It may be held with glue or stitches 1.

Risks and Recurrence

Risks include infection, scarring, double vision, graft problems, irritation, and recurrence. Recurrence means the pterygium grows back.

Graft-based surgery lowers recurrence compared with older bare-sclera removal methods 3.

Recovery Tips

Use drops exactly as prescribed. Avoid rubbing the eye while the surface heals.

Wear sunglasses outdoors. Wind, dust, and ultraviolet light can irritate the surface after surgery.

Cost and Insurance

Insurance is more likely to cover surgery when the pterygium affects vision, causes documented irritation, or threatens the cornea.

Purely cosmetic removal may not be covered. Ask for estimates from the surgeon, facility, and anesthesia team.

Common Questions About Pterygium Excision

Yes. Recurrence is possible. A conjunctival autograft lowers recurrence compared with removing the growth alone 3.

Next Steps

  1. 1Ask whether the pterygium is changing your cornea shape or glasses prescription.
  2. 2Discuss conjunctival autograft, glue, stitches, and recurrence risk with the surgeon.
  3. 3Confirm which parts of surgery are covered by insurance before scheduling.
  4. 4Use sunglasses and avoid eye rubbing during recovery.

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