A pterygium is a raised, cream colored growth usually on the nasal side of the white of the eye. It sometimes gets yellowish or reddish. Before the growth extends onto the cornea it's called a pingueculae. When it extends onto the cornea it's called a pterygium.

Although they can be removed surgically, the rate of recurrence is as high as 40%, and they tend to come back bigger and faster.

These growths are usually caused by dry, hot, windy environments, and are found often on people that spend a lot of time outside. A Ptergium is not dangerous and it is not cancer, but can become uncomfortable. The main problem is that they can eventually distort vision due to the fact that they can grow onto the cornea, and eventually even onto the central part of the eye blocking light from entering.

“In addition, these eyedrops equalize pressures, repair damaged membranes, clear up red spots and broken vessels, and help remove blemishes and other tissue particles.”

• Sun and wind:

  There is a higher rate in people living near the equator. In the United States, the incidence is less than 2%. In Florida and California, the incidence to close to 4%. By the equator, the incidence goes up to 20%. The condition is sometimes called surfer's eye since it is more common in people exposed to wind and the UV radiation of the sun.

• Meibomian Gland Misfunction:

  New research explores a possible missing link between dry eye and pterygium: malfunctioning meibomian glands. Scientists found corrrelation between degree of meibomian gland structure problems and severity of pterygium incidence. The meibomian glands produce an oily substance called meibum which spreads thinly over the surface of the eye helping to protect the tear film. When such production is insufficient then not only does dry eye syndrome result, but there is apparently greater risk for pterygium development.2

• Dry eyes:

  There is correlation between how fast the tear film protecting the cornea breaks up, and how concentrated the tear film is.

If the pterygium is interfering with your vision, then typically it is removed surgically. Otherwise, it is left alone. The rate of recurrence is as high as 40%, and they tend to come back bigger and faster.