eye care support

Pterygium

A pterygium is a triangular-shaped growth of tissue that starts on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea.

Pterygia (pronounced te-RIJ-ee-um) often occur in both eyes and usually appear on the side closest to the nose.

A pterygium is not a cancer. People sometimes confuse pterygia with cataracts, but cataracts affect the lens inside the eye and cannot be seen from the outside.

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The exact cause is unknown, but pterygia are strongly linked to:

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure
Hot, dry or dusty environments
Outdoor occupations and hobbies (e.g., farming, surfing, boating)
Chronic eye irritation
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They are more common in northern Australia and in people who spend long hours outdoors without eye protection.

Pterygium FAQs

Pterygia are not dangerous, but they can:

  • Look cosmetically noticeable
  • Cause irritation or redness
  • Distort the cornea as they grow, affecting vision
  • Block light from entering the eye if they reach the central cornea.
  • Any new or rapidly changing tissue on the eye should be assessed to rule out more serious conditions.

Treatment depends on whether the pterygium is growing or affecting vision.

If the pterygium is stable and not encroaching on the cornea, protecting your eyes from UV light may help prevent further growth.

If the pterygium is growing onto the cornea or beginning to distort vision, surgical removal is the only effective treatment.

This is usually a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Early removal is often recommended before vision becomes affected.

Your optometrist can assess the pterygium and refer you to an eye surgeon if needed.

Reducing UV exposure is the most effective way to lower your risk.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Avoiding direct sun between 10am and 4pm
  • Wearing a broad-brimmed hat to reduce UV reaching the eyes
  • Choosing wrap-around sunglasses for maximum protection

These steps also help reduce the risk of cataracts, other UV-related eye conditions and skin cancers around the eyes.