Introduction to Pterygium

Pterygium are extremely common growths of scar tissue on the surface of the eye. The growth starts on the inner or outer white of the eye and grows onto the cornea toward the center of the eye. Typically, these growths are not cancerous, but a degenerative and inflammatory reaction to sun exposure, wind, dust, and other foreign body exposure. As Pterygium grow, they can cause chronic redness and discomfort in the eye, and eventually decrease vision. If the condition progresses too far, scar tissue may permanently affect vision even after surgery.