Pterygium (Surfer's Eye): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Quick answer: A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva that spreads from the white of the eye onto the cornea, usually on the nose side. It is linked to long-term UV exposure, dust and wind, which makes it common in high-altitude, sunny places like Nepal. Small ones are managed with lubricating drops and UV-blocking sunglasses; growths that affect vision are removed surgically.
Noticed this in your own eyes? Book an eye examination (NPR 400) with an optometrist at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari. WhatsApp +977 9841466716.
Related service: UV-protection glasses and sunglasses at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
What a pterygium looks like
A pterygium is pink or red, slightly raised, and triangle-shaped, pointing towards the coloured part of the eye. It may stay small for years or slowly grow. If it reaches the centre of the cornea it can blur vision and cause astigmatism.
Symptoms
- Redness and irritation
- Gritty or foreign-body feeling
- Dryness and watering
- Blurred vision if the growth distorts or covers the cornea
Prevention and treatment
Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block 100% UV (UV400) outdoors, especially at altitude, on water and on snow, and use a hat. Lubricating eye drops help comfort. Steroid drops for flare-ups and surgery are provided by an ophthalmologist. Surgery is considered when the pterygium threatens vision, causes astigmatism or is persistently uncomfortable; it can grow back, so UV protection matters after removal too.
When to get urgent care
Get prompt care if the growth changes quickly, bleeds, becomes pigmented or ulcerated, or vision drops, as other conditions can look similar.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern optometrists in Kathmandu can examine your eyes, record what they find for comparison, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye hospital when medical treatment is needed. Vision Concern does not perform surgery or injections.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pterygium cancer?
No, a pterygium is not cancer. However, a growth that changes quickly, bleeds or looks unusual should be checked to rule out other conditions.
Can a pterygium go away without surgery?
No, but drops and UV protection can control symptoms and may slow growth.
What is the difference between pinguecula and pterygium?
A pinguecula is a yellowish bump that stays on the white of the eye. A pterygium is fleshy and grows onto the cornea.
This guide is general information from the Vision Concern editorial team. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an eye examination or medical advice.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.