You may notice a small yellowish bump or a pink, fleshy, triangular area growing from the white of your eye towards the coloured part. One possible cause is a pterygium (pronounced tuh-RIJ-ee-um), a usually non-cancerous growth of surface tissue that can extend onto the clear cornea at the front of the eye.[1]
Another common surface change is a pinguecula, a raised yellowish patch that usually does not extend across the cornea. The two can look similar, so any new or changing growth should be examined by an eye professional.
What Does a Pterygium Look and Feel Like?
A pterygium is often wedge- or wing-shaped and commonly develops on the side of the eye nearest the nose. It may stay small for years or slowly grow towards the centre of the cornea. Some people notice only a change in appearance, while others develop irritation or changes in vision.[2]
Possible symptoms include:
- A raised pink, red or fleshy area on the white of the eye
- Redness that may become more noticeable at times
- A gritty, burning or foreign-body sensation
- Dryness, itching or watering
- Blurred or distorted vision if the growth changes the shape of the cornea
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
These symptoms are not specific to pterygium. Allergy, dry eye, infection and other surface conditions can feel similar. An unusual or quickly changing growth needs careful assessment.
Why Does a Pterygium Develop?
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is an important risk factor. Pterygium is also associated with repeated exposure to wind, dust and hot, dry environments. This helps explain why it may be seen in people who spend many hours outdoors, including farmers, drivers, construction workers, street vendors and outdoor sports participants.[3]
A pterygium is not caused by reading, television or phone use. Screens may worsen existing irritation but do not explain a tissue growth. For screen-linked discomfort, see the guide to dry, gritty or tired eyes after screen use.
What Can I Safely Do?
These measures may reduce UV, wind and dust exposure and improve comfort, but they cannot remove an existing pterygium:
- Use suitable sun protection. Choose well-fitting sunglasses labelled UV400 or offering 99–100% UVA and UVB protection. A broad-brimmed hat adds shade.[4]
- Protect against dust and wind. Wear appropriate protective glasses or goggles during dusty work, travel or outdoor activities.
- Avoid rubbing the eye. Rubbing can increase irritation and redness.
- Do not use unverified products. Avoid rose water, honey, saliva, herbal liquids or any non-sterile substance in the eye.
- Do not use steroid or “redness-relief” drops without advice. Eye drops are not interchangeable, and some can cause harm when used incorrectly or for too long.
If the eye remains dry or gritty, ask an eye professional or pharmacist about suitable lubrication. Comfort measures do not stop every pterygium from growing.
How Is It Examined?
An ophthalmologist usually assesses the growth by examining the eye, often with a slit-lamp microscope. A comprehensive eye examination may include checking visual clarity, spectacle power and how far the tissue extends onto the cornea. The doctor may compare its size over time or assess whether it is changing the corneal shape.
If the appearance is atypical—such as rapid growth, irregular pigmentation or unusual blood vessels—the ophthalmologist may recommend additional evaluation. Removed tissue may be sent for laboratory examination when appropriate.
What Treatment May Be Considered?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, size, growth and effect on vision. Broad categories include:
- Observation and follow-up: a small, stable pterygium that is not troubling vision may only need monitoring and protection from UV, dust and wind.
- Comfort and inflammation care: an ophthalmologist may recommend suitable lubrication or short-term treatment for inflammation after examining the eye. Medicines should not be started, stopped or shared without professional guidance.
- Spectacle assessment: if the growth changes the corneal curve, an updated prescription may improve vision in some cases, although it does not remove the growth.
- Surgery: removal may be discussed when irritation remains troublesome, the pterygium is progressing, vision is affected, eye movement is restricted or appearance is a significant concern.[5]
Surgery is not automatically required. It has potential risks, including infection, scarring and regrowth, so the expected benefits and limitations should be discussed for the individual eye. The surgical method and follow-up plan are decided by the treating ophthalmologist.
When Should I Seek Urgent Eye Care?
Seek prompt or urgent medical attention if you develop:
- Sudden loss or marked reduction of vision
- Severe eye pain, strong light sensitivity, nausea or vomiting
- A chemical splash or significant eye injury—begin rinsing immediately with plenty of clean running water and seek emergency care
- Rapid growth, bleeding, marked colour change or an irregular-looking surface lesion
- Increasing redness with thick discharge, eyelid swelling or fever
These features are not typical of a simple, stable pterygium and may indicate a different or more urgent problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a pterygium cancer?
A typical pterygium is benign, meaning it is not cancer. However, other eye-surface conditions can resemble it. Arrange an examination if a growth is new, changing rapidly, unusually coloured, bleeding or irregular.
2. Can eye drops remove a pterygium?
No. Professionally recommended drops may ease dryness, redness or irritation, but they do not dissolve the tissue. Surgery is the method used to remove a pterygium when removal is clinically appropriate.
3. Does every pterygium need surgery?
No. Many small, stable growths can be monitored. Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain troublesome, the growth progresses, it affects corneal shape or vision, or appearance is a substantial concern.
4. Can a pterygium return after surgery?
Yes, regrowth can occur. The likelihood varies with individual factors, surgical technique, follow-up and ongoing exposure. Your surgeon should explain the expected benefits, possible risks and aftercare before treatment.
Arrange an Eye Examination in Saharanpur
If you have noticed a fleshy growth on the white of the eye, persistent irritation or a change in vision, you may contact Eye Point Hospital for an individual assessment with Dr. Safeena Tabassum, MBBS, MS (AMU), Eye Surgeon, Gold Medalist, with 15 years in healthcare.
Eye Point Hospital
39, Ayodhyapuram, Mahipura, Near Prankur Hospital, Dehradun Road, Saharanpur, U.P. 247001
Phone and WhatsApp: +91 79762 01232
Monday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
You can also use the hospital’s contact and directions page. Appointment availability should be confirmed by the hospital team.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual eye examination or medical advice.
Medical References
- National Eye Institute — Other Types of Corneal Disease: Pterygium
- American Academy of Ophthalmology — What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium?
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust — Pterygium Overview
- National Eye Institute — Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun’s UV Light
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust — Having Surgery for a Pterygium
