Pterygium surgery: What to expect before, during, and after?
At Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, patients receive expert care led by Dr Parth Shah, a highly experienced ophthalmologist and eye surgeon specialising in corneal and external eye diseases. With 10 years of hands-on surgical experience, advanced diagnostic tools, and a reputation for excellence in pterygium surgery, Dr Shah and his team have helped countless patients restore eye comfort and clarity.
Our approach combines precision surgery, evidence-based techniques, and personalised aftercare to ensure the best outcomes and lasting relief from this common eye surface condition.
What is a pterygium and why might you need surgery?
A pterygium (pronounced tuh-rij-ee-um) is a non-cancerous, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the white part of the eye (sclera) that can extend onto the cornea. It often develops due to prolonged sun exposure, wind, and dust.
You may need pterygium surgery if:
- The growth is affecting or threatening your vision.
- It causes discomfort, irritation, or redness.
- It becomes cosmetically concerning.
Surgery removes the abnormal tissue and restores the eye’s natural surface, improving comfort and appearance.
What should you expect before pterygium surgery?
Before pterygium surgery, you will undergo a thorough eye examination to determine the extent of the growth and plan the most suitable surgical technique.
A closer look:
At Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra, Dr Shah performs a comprehensive pre-operative assessment, which includes:
- Checking visual acuity and corneal involvement.
- Assessing tear film stability and ocular surface health.
- Discussing your medical history, medications, and expectations.
You will also receive pre-surgery instructions, such as:
- Avoiding certain medications like blood thinners. (if advised)
- Using prescribed lubricating or antibiotic drops before the procedure.
- Arranging someone to drive you home after surgery.
This preparation ensures your surgery proceeds smoothly and safely.
What happens during pterygium surgery?
Pterygium surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia and typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
A closer look:
During the procedure:
- Your eye will be numbed using local anaesthetic drops or injection.
- Ophthalmologists will carefully remove the pterygium tissue from the sclera and cornea.
- To prevent recurrence, a small piece of your own conjunctival tissue (autograft) from a healthy part of the eye is placed over the area.
- The graft is secured using fine sutures or tissue adhesive (glue).
What is recovery like after pterygium surgery?
Recovery from pterygium surgery is generally smooth, with most patients returning to normal activities within one to two weeks.
A closer look:
After surgery, you may experience mild irritation, redness, or tearing for a few days — this is completely normal. Your doctor will prescribe:
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation.
- Lubricating drops to keep the eye comfortable.
- Instructions to avoid rubbing the eye and protect it from dust and sunlight.
Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure the graft remains stable. Most patients notice a clearer, smoother eye appearance within a few weeks.
How long does it take for the eye to heal completely?
Complete healing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, although vision and comfort often improve much sooner.
A closer look:
Healing time varies depending on factors such as graft type, your general health, and adherence to post-operative care. During this period:
- You will continue using prescribed eye drops.
- Avoid swimming, heavy exercise, or dusty environments.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes and prevent recurrence.
Can a pterygium come back after surgery?
While recurrence is possible, modern surgical techniques — especially with conjunctival autografts — make it much less likely.
A closer look:
The chance of recurrence largely depends on:
- Surgical technique used.
- Sun exposure and eye dryness after surgery.
- Post-operative care compliance.
Your ophthalmologist should use advanced grafting methods and tissue adhesives that significantly reduce recurrence rates and promote faster healing. Regular use of lubricating drops and UV protection also helps maintain results.
When should you contact your eye surgeon after surgery?
You should contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:
- Sudden pain or vision loss.
- Discharge, swelling, or redness that worsens.
- Loose graft or suture irritation.
Prompt communication ensures early management of any complications and optimal recovery.
Conclusion
At Clarity Eye Surgeons, we understand that pterygium can cause both visual and cosmetic discomfort. Under the expert care of Dr Parth Shah, patients receive precise diagnosis, gentle surgical removal, and personalised aftercare to restore clear, healthy eyes.
If you have noticed a fleshy growth or persistent redness on your eye, do not ignore it.
Book a consultation at Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra to discuss your treatment options and regain lasting eye comfort and clarity.
Author bio
Dr Parth Shah is a director and principal ophthalmologist at Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.
FAQs
No, pterygium surgery is not painful. It is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the eye completely. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure but not pain. Mild irritation or discomfort may occur for a few days after surgery, which is easily managed with prescribed eye drops.
In most cases, surgeons prefer to treat one eye at a time to ensure smooth recovery and comfort. However, if both eyes have significant pterygium and the surgeon considers it safe, they may perform surgery on both eyes during the same session.
Most patients take about 3 to 5 days off work, depending on the type of work they do and their healing progress. If your job involves outdoor exposure, dust, or sunlight, your doctor may recommend a slightly longer recovery period to protect the eye.
You should not drive immediately after surgery as your vision may be blurry due to anaesthetic drops or a protective eye patch. Once your vision stabilises — usually within a few days — and your doctor confirms it is safe, you can resume driving.
To prevent recurrence, protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. Keep your eyes moist with lubricating drops, avoid dusty or windy environments, and attend all follow-up appointments with your eye specialist.
For mild or early-stage pterygium, surgery might not be necessary. Lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, and UV protection can help relieve irritation and prevent progression. However, advanced or vision-affecting pterygium usually requires surgical removal.
Complications are rare, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks such as infection, swelling, delayed healing, or graft displacement. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending post-surgery visits significantly reduce these risks.
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