Pterygium surgery is a surgical procedure that is done to remove pterygia from the eye. This is a non-cancerous growth that forms in the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is a clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Pterygia are usually found on the side of the eye closest to the nose.
Depending on the size of the pterygium, patients may have no symptoms at all or it may cause vision changes.
Pterygium surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, this means that no large incisions are made in the eye. In most cases, this surgery will only take around 30-40 minutes. This surgery is done under local anaesthetic; however, you may be sedated to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
Before you go ahead with the surgery, your ophthalmologist will go over everything you need to know and answer any questions you may have, for example aftercare.
What to expect during pterygium surgery
Pterygium surgery is a very quick and low-risk procedure:
- Your doctor will numb your eyes so that you do not feel pain. Next, they will clean the surrounding area ready for surgery.
- The pterygium will be removed as well as any conjunctiva tissue that may lead to further pterygium in the future.
- The affected area is covered with a graft of associated membrane tissue to prevent recurrent pterygium growths and aid recovery.
After pterygium surgery your eye will be covered by a shield. This helps to reduce the risk of infection; so, it is important that you do not remove it or rub your eye. Your doctor will also give you a list of instructions to follow for at least four weeks after surgery or until it is completely healed.
If you would like to speak to our team about pterygium surgery, please call 020 7000 3193