Schedule Online Contact Us Today! (954) 442-1133
Pterygium banner

Pterygium

Pterygium: Surfer’s Eye

Pterygium is a noncancerous growth that looks like a raised white/pink tissue on the white of one or both eyes. It is often called surfer’s eye because it tends to affect people who often work or play outdoors, especially surfers.

While not typically a serious condition, pterygium can continue to grow until it covers the cornea, leading to distortion of the cornea (astigmatism) and blurred vision.

Surfer’s Eye Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Feeling of something foreign in the eye

Causes of Surfer’s Eye

Pterygium tends to affect people age 20 to 40 and it is more common in men. There is no single cause of pterygium; however, there are certain conditions that may increase your risk:

  • Excessive exposure to UV light (being outdoors)
  • Exposure to dust, wind, sand and other irritants
  • Dry eye
  • Not wearing sunglasses or hats outdoors
  • Low humidity environments

Surfer’s Eye Treatment

Medicated or lubricating eye drops can help ease irritation caused by pterygium. If the lesion begins to threaten your sight or makes you feel self-conscious, pterygium surgery to remove the growth may be recommended. To reduce the risk of recurrence, our pterygium doctors in may perform an amniotic membrane transplant (AMT) graft where the former pterygium was located.

To learn more about surfer’s eye in south Florida, or if you are experiencing the symptoms of surfer’s eye, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.

Our Locations

Coral Springs

1801 N University Dr # 102
Coral Springs, FL 33071

Hollywood

3850 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 203
Hollywood, FL 33021

Pembroke Pines

1 SW 129th Ave, Ste 209
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Weston

2300 N. Commerce Pwky, Ste 308 & 310
Weston, FL 33326

Are you ready to see a whole new world?

Find out what it’s like to see the world more clearly. Complete the form below to request a free consultation.

Skip to content

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close