Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you have had some discomfort in your eyes or have witnessed a fleshy growth creeping over the white part of your eye, then you are not alone. Pterygium, popularly known as surfer’s eye, is a common disorder often linked to prolonged exposure to the sun, wind, and dust. That might seem scary, but learning more about the eye disease, such as its causation, symptoms, and treatment, will convince you to manage it and protect your vision. Outdoor sports enthusiasts or inhabitants of a sunny area must stay informed about this condition. 

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that begins in the conjunctiva, a thin transparent membrane covering the white portion of your eye (sclera) and the inside of your eyelids. It is wedge- or wing-like in appearance, and typically starts from the nasal side of the eye and grows outwards. The meaning of pterygium originates from the Greek word “pteryx,” which means wing in its shape. 

Although it sounds like a severe diagnosis, it is not a tumour. However, notorious growing pterygia will impair some vision and become the object of cosmetic concern. This is especially true when they begin to change the shape of your cornea or are blocking your line of sight. Some tend to confuse a pterygium with a pinguecula, another type of conjunctival growth. Still, the most significant difference lies in the fact that pterygium extends onto the cornea, while a pinguecula remains confined to the conjunctiva. 

Causes of Pterygium

To understand the causes of Pterygium, environmental exposure must be considered. The primary attribute is prolonged, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. If you find yourself frequently outdoors under sunny, dry, or windy circumstances, your risk for developing this condition is higher. This is why it’s so prevalent among surfers, hence surfers’ eye, and farmers, fishermen, and others who work outdoors.

UV radiation aside, dry air, wind, and particles, like sand or dust, may irritate the eyes, increasing the risk. Chronic irritation and dryness of the eyes play a very important role in the aetiology of this condition. Genetic tendency may also contribute, as Pterygium appears more often in certain ethnic groups and geographical areas. Some studies have explored a possible relationship to viral factors, but this link remains inconclusive and under investigation. Lastly, dry eye patients and those exposed frequently to air conditioning may also be at higher risk. 

Surfer’s Eye Symptoms

The surfer’s eye symptoms may vary depending on pterygium size and growth. In the initial stages, not much more can be seen except a small raised area on the white part of the eye. However, some fairly obvious and uncomfortable symptoms may occur as this continues.

One of the most common pterygium symptoms is the sensation of having something in your eye, which is referred to as a foreign body sensation. Redness and swelling are not uncommon, particularly when irritation has been provoked by sunlight or wind. “Itchy” or “burning” sensations may sometimes be experienced, albeit this is more common in dry weather conditions. It might also water too much, or you may start getting blurred or double vision if the growth alters the shape of the cornea. 

With advancing stages, astigmatism and perhaps even farsightedness may affect the capacity to focus on nearer objects; vision can be considerably obstructed at the worst end. Symptoms could easily lead to a mix-up with conjunctivitis, involving redness and irritation. If you have been noticing any of these changes, do not ignore them!

Who is at Risk for Pterygium?

If you reside in a brighter place or often expose yourself to outdoor activities without using protective eyewear, you are more likely to develop problems related to pterygium eye issues. UV rays are the main risk factor; regions closer to the equator are most affected. You could also be at risk if you regularly go to dry or dusty surroundings.

This ailment is more common among males than females and can occur at any age, but becomes most apparent after age 40. However, some younger people, such as outdoorsmen like surfers or runners, might also develop Pterygium due to improper eye care. Under prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions without protective gear, your eyes are more at risk of chronic damage and may end up with conditions like Pterygium.

How is Surfer’s Eye Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the surfer’s eye disease is easy and often done during a regular eye examination. If your eye care professional suspects the presence of pterygium, they would closely examine the surface of your eye using a slit lamp exam. This combination of high-intensity light and a microscope allows a detailed visualisation of the conjunctiva and cornea, enabling the clinician to identify the growth’s presence, size, and extent.

In cases where pterygium can interfere with vision, additional diagnostic tests like corneal topography may be recommended to map the whole corneal surface to see any changes in shape caused by the growth. Early diagnosis is important in proper management, thereby preventing vision problems. 

Is Pterygium Treatable?

Pterygium treatment is well-established and effective, particularly when diagnosed early. However, an ophthalmologist might suggest conservative therapy when symptoms are mild and the growth does not interfere with sight. This often includes lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to alleviate irritation and anti-inflammatory medications to treat redness and swelling. 

Protective strategies are equally important. Wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection and wide-brimmed hats while travelling outdoors reduces exposure to such rays and halts their progression. However, if such growth continues enlarging or starts affecting your vision, surgery may be required to remove it. 

Surgical excision is generally done under local anaesthesia and involves excising the Pterygium and, in many cases, substituting the excised tissue with a conjunctival autograft, often secured using tissue adhesive or sutures. This procedure reduces the risk of recurrence, although it can still happen in some cases. Proper post-operative care is essential for successful recovery, with follow-up visits assuring adequate healing.

Conclusion

Although pterygium, or surfer’s eye, is not usually a serious medical threat, it can greatly affect vision and comfort levels in daily life when left untreated. At Nethradhama, we care passionately for our patients, offering world-class standards of eye care, clinical excellence, and the latest technology. From ensuring your routine eye health to offering you sophisticated procedures like surgery to remove Pterygium, we guarantee your eyes get the attention they truly deserve, because when it comes to your vision, only the best will do!