Pterygium Surgery in Boca Raton, FL

A pterygium, also called an "eye web" or "surfer's eye," is a noncancerous growth that can start on the conjunctiva or the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye. Often whitish or pinkish in color and shaped like a triangle, a pterygium can cause irritation and redness. While the growth is benign in nature, it can spread to the cornea or the front window of the eye and affect vision. A pterygium may be able to resolve on its own or with minimal treatment, such as specialized eye drops, but for patients who notice the pterygium has been impacting their eyesight or causing astigmatism, the growth can be surgically removed. To have your eyes assessed, schedule a consultation with a board-certified ophthalmologist at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center in Boca Raton, FL.

A pterygium, also known as "surfer's eye," presents with several noticeable symptoms. Individuals may experience irritation and redness in the affected eye, along with a gritty or burning sensation. The growth is typically whitish or pinkish and can cause a visible, triangular-shaped thickening on the eye's surface. In more advanced cases, pterygium can lead to blurred vision or astigmatism as it encroaches onto the cornea.

If you have a surfer's eye, you've likely experienced some frustrating moments, both cosmetically and visually. Some benefits of having pteryguim eye treatment include:

• Improved vision
• Alleviates uncomfortable symptoms, such as inflammation, irritation, a burning sensation, and more
• Lowered risk of abnormal cell regrowth
• Uses innovative techniques that allow ophthalmologists to forego stitches

If you're looking for pteryguim doctors near you, our team at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center offers state-of-the-art treatment for pteryguim in the eye.

While it's common that pterygiums can heal on their own, some may require surgery. You could be a good candidate for pterygium surgery in Boca Raton, FL if you've experienced:

• Irritation in your eye (redness or swelling)
• The growth has gotten larger over time
• Your vision starts to become impaired
• The growth is approaching your line of vision

Schedule an appointment with our eye specialists for additional information on how pterygium surgery is performed and how it can benefit you.

Pterygium removal surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure by our eye doctor in Boca Raton and takes roughly 30 – 45 minutes. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home following your surgery. To begin, your ophthalmologist will prep your eyes by administering anesthetic eye drops. When you are ready, your ophthalmologist will remove the pterygium and any associated conjunctiva tissue. When the pterygium is removed, it is typically replaced with a tissue graft to prevent the pterygium's regrowth. Following surgery, our team will go over detailed aftercare instructions with you. It may take around a month for your eye to fully heal and your vision to return to normal. Your ophthalmologist will schedule several follow-up appointments with you to closely monitor your healing progress.

Recovery time will vary based on the severity and area where the pterygium was present. In general, it can be between a few weeks to a couple of months. It is important to follow instructions closely to ensure that your eye heals as it is intended. We will send you home with detailed care instructions, however, som do's and don'ts include:

• Do not wear makeup for about two weeks after surgery
• Do wear sunglasses as needed because your eye will be sensitive to light
• Do not scratch at your eye
• Do not bend over for about two weeks after surgery
• Don't exercise, garden, or mow the lawn for up to three weeks
• Do feel free to shower the day after surgery, but do not get soap or water in your eye for about three weeks post-surgery

Contact our Boca Raton eye surgeon for more information on the healing process.

Is it possible for a pterygium to blind you?
Although this condition can cause severe scarring on your cornea on rare occasions, it is important for this to be treated. In some cases, extreme scarring can cause vision loss. It is important for you to schedule an appointment with our office any time that you are experiencing blurry vision — so that we can access the situation and get it treated appropriately.

What causes pterygium, or surfer's eye?
Although the exact cause is not known, the most common is thought to be excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This condition tends to happen more to those whose jobs or hobbies require them to be outside more often. These include farmers, fishermen, welders, and surfers.

Are you awake during the surgery?
Yes, patients are generally awake during this surgery. However, our team at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center will do everything they can to keep you comfortable. Light intravenous sedation can be given in order to keep you calm throughout the procedure. Contact our eye specialist in Boca Raton, FL, for more information on your available options during surgery.

Is it possible for a pterygium to disappear on its own?
No, a pterygium will not go away without surgical intervention, unfortunately. However, we will not suggest surgery until it's absolutely necessary.

If a pterygium is causing you discomfort and affecting your vision, it is important to have it assessed by a professional. Your friendly team at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center is experienced with treating this and many other conditions affecting the eyes. Contact our eye doctor in Boca Raton at our center in Boca Raton, FL, to have your eyes examined by a board-certified ophthalmologist and a special treatment plan created for you.