Jindal Eye Hospital

Pterygium

A small growth on your eye may seem minor, but when left unattended, it can progress and affect your comfort, vision, and even your eligibility for advanced refractive procedures. At Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur, we offer comprehensive evaluation and personalised care for pterygium — helping patients get the right guidance at the right time.

What is pterygium?

Pterygium (commonly called “surfer’s eye”) is a non-cancerous, fleshy growth that forms on the conjunctiva — the clear tissue covering the white of the eye. Over time, it may gradually grow toward the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye. While not always dangerous, a progressive pterygium can cause persistent irritation, cosmetic concerns, and in advanced cases, may distort vision by inducing astigmatism.

It is more commonly seen in people who spend significant time outdoors and are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, dust, wind, and dry environments. Jaipur’s warm, dusty climate makes it a condition worth being aware of.

Common symptoms of pterygium

Symptoms can range from mild to noticeable.
Watch for:

If you notice a visible growth on the white of your eye or experience any of these symptoms, an early consultation with an eye specialist in Jaipur is advisable.

Causes and risk factors

Why timely diagnosis matters

An untreated, advancing pterygium can progressively encroach on the corneal surface. This may cause irregular astigmatism, making your vision blurry or distorted. In more advanced cases, it can restrict eye movement or significantly obstruct the visual axis.

For patients considering refractive procedures like Contoura LASIK, a healthy and regularly shaped corneal surface is essential. If a pterygium is present, it must be properly evaluated and, if necessary, treated before proceeding. At Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur, Dr. Mayank Agarwal performs thorough corneal assessment to ensure every patient is a safe and suitable candidate for refractive surgery.

Pterygium treatment options

Non-surgical management

Conservative care

When required

Pterygium surgery

Pterygium surgery at Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur

Surgery is recommended only after a detailed clinical evaluation and when it is genuinely indicated — for comfort, visual function, or cosmetic concern. At Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur, the surgical plan is tailored to each patient based on a careful assessment of the size, location, and progression of the growth.

Modern pterygium surgery typically uses a conjunctival autograft technique, which involves transplanting a small piece of healthy conjunctival tissue from the patient’s own eye to the surgical site. This approach is associated with lower recurrence rates compared to older methods. Post-operative care and follow-up guidance are provided to support recovery.

Why choose Dr. Mayank Agarwal and Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur?

Trusted eye care in Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur

When should you visit an eye specialist?

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Book a consultation at an eye hospital in Jaipur if you notice:

Early evaluation makes management simpler and helps preserve the long-term health of your cornea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01. Is pterygium dangerous?
Pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth and is not considered dangerous in most cases. However, if it grows progressively toward the cornea, it can cause discomfort, astigmatism, and affect vision. Early monitoring and timely treatment help prevent complications.

Yes, in advanced stages. As the growth extends over the cornea, it can induce irregular astigmatism, causing blurred or distorted vision. In very advanced cases, it may even partially block the visual axis. This is why regular monitoring is important.

Pterygium surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort, grittiness, or sensitivity may be experienced during the recovery period, which is usually manageable with prescribed medication and eye drops.

Recurrence is possible, but modern surgical techniques such as conjunctival autografting have significantly reduced recurrence rates compared to older bare-sclera excision methods. Wearing UV-protective eyewear and following post-operative advice also helps reduce the risk.

Yes, absolutely. Contoura LASIK requires a stable, healthy corneal surface for accurate topography mapping and safe laser treatment. A pterygium can distort corneal shape and surface readings, affecting suitability for refractive surgery. At Jindal Eye Hospital Jaipur, Dr. Mayank Agarwal evaluates each patient thoroughly to determine the correct sequence of treatment before any refractive procedure is planned.

Dr. Mayank Agarwal

Book your Contoura Lasik consultation today and start your journey toward spectacle-free vision!