Pterygium Removal

That fleshy, triangular growth creeping across the white of your eye isn’t just annoying—it’s affecting how you see and feel every single day. Whether it’s causing constant irritation, blurring your vision, or making you self-conscious about how your eyes look, you deserve expert care from someone who truly understands corneal conditions.

Our team at One EyeCare LASIK specializes in pterygium removal, combining over a decade of experience treating complex eye cases with the personalized attention you won’t find at high-volume practices. As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, Dr. Jennifer Wu, MD doesn’t just remove the growth—she restores your comfort, protects your vision, and gives you back the clear, healthy-looking eyes you’ve been missing.

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Understanding Pterygium Removal

A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye) and can extend onto the cornea. Often called “surfer’s eye,” this condition typically results from prolonged exposure to UV light, wind, dust, and dry conditions. While some pterygiums remain small and cause minimal issues, others can grow large enough to affect your vision, cause persistent redness and irritation, or simply become a cosmetic concern that affects your confidence.

Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that carefully excises the growth from your eye’s surface. The goal isn’t just to remove the visible tissue—it’s to restore your eye’s natural appearance, eliminate discomfort, and protect your vision from further interference. Advanced techniques help minimize the risk of recurrence, which is important since pterygiums can sometimes grow back if not properly treated.

Benefits of Pterygium Removal

Restored Visual Clarity

When a pterygium grows onto your cornea, it can distort the surface and blur your vision. Removing the growth allows light to enter your eye properly again, restoring the clear, crisp vision you’ve been missing. Many patients are amazed at how much better they can see once the obstruction is gone. You’ll notice improvements in both your everyday activities and tasks that require sharp focus.

Relief from Chronic Irritation

That constant feeling of something in your eye, the redness, and the burning sensation can be exhausting. Pterygium removal eliminates the source of irritation, giving your eye the chance to heal and feel comfortable again. You’ll finally be free from the persistent discomfort that’s been affecting your daily life. No more rubbing your eyes or reaching for drops every few hours.

Prevention of Vision-Threatening Complications

Left untreated, a pterygium can continue growing across your cornea, potentially causing permanent vision damage or significant astigmatism. By removing it now, you’re protecting your long-term eye health and preventing more serious problems down the road. Early intervention is always better than waiting until the growth becomes more invasive. Taking action today means safeguarding your vision for tomorrow.

Improved Cosmetic Appearance

A visible pterygium can make your eye look red, inflamed, or unusual, which might affect how you feel about your appearance. Removing the growth restores your eye’s natural, healthy look and can significantly boost your confidence in social and professional situations. You deserve to feel great about how you look, and pterygium removal makes that possible. Your eyes will look clear, white, and healthy again.

Better Contact Lens Comfort

If you wear contact lenses, a pterygium can make lens wear uncomfortable or even impossible. The raised tissue interferes with how the lens sits on your eye, causing irritation and poor fit. After removal, you’ll be able to wear your contacts comfortably again without that annoying sensation. Getting back to your normal routine without constant eye discomfort is a game-changer.

Our Pterygium Removal Process

Meeting Dr. Wu: Your Personal Consultation

During your first visit, Dr. Jennifer Wu personally examines your eye using specialized equipment to assess the size, location, and severity of your pterygium. She’ll discuss your symptoms, how the growth is affecting your daily life, and whether removal is the right choice for you. You’ll receive honest, expert guidance about what to expect and leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

Your Personalized Surgical Plan

Dr. Wu creates a personalized surgical approach based on your unique eye anatomy and the characteristics of your pterygium. She’ll explain the specific technique she recommends, whether that includes conjunctival autografting (using healthy tissue from your own eye) or amniotic membrane grafting to reduce recurrence risk. You’ll know exactly what will happen during your procedure and why each step matters for your outcome.

The Pterygium Removal Procedure

The pterygium removal procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes and is performed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Wu carefully removes the abnormal tissue and may use tissue grafts or special medications to minimize the chance of regrowth. Her meticulous approach and extensive experience with complex corneal cases ensure you receive the highest standard of care throughout your procedure.

Healing Comfortably at Home

After your procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions for caring for your eye as it heals, including prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days, which improves quickly with proper care and medication. You’ll need to protect your eye from sun exposure and avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the treated area during recovery.

Post-Procedure Care with Dr. Wu

Dr. Wu sees you personally for your post-operative appointments to monitor your healing and ensure everything is progressing as expected. These follow-up visits are crucial for catching any early signs of recurrence and addressing any concerns you might have. With proper aftercare and monitoring, most patients heal beautifully and enjoy long-lasting results from their pterygium removal.

Why Choose Us for Your Pterygium Removal

When it comes to pterygium removal, you want a surgeon who specializes in corneal conditions and has the expertise to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Jennifer Wu is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist who has successfully treated countless complex eye cases over the past decade. She’s not a general ophthalmologist—she’s an expert in the specific part of your eye that’s affected by pterygium, which means you’re getting specialized care from someone who truly understands the intricacies of corneal surgery.

At One EyeCare LASIK, you’ll experience the boutique, personal care that sets us apart from high-volume practices. Dr. Wu takes the time to explain everything clearly, answer all your questions without rushing, and ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment decision. You’re not just another patient—you’re someone whose vision and comfort matter deeply, and that’s reflected in every aspect of your care.

Restore Your Eye’s Natural Appearance!

Living with a pterygium doesn’t have to be your reality. Whether you’re dealing with irritation, blurred vision, or cosmetic concerns, Dr. Jennifer Wu has the expertise to help you find relief through expert pterygium removal. At One EyeCare LASIK, you’ll receive the specialized corneal care you deserve in a comfortable, unhurried environment where your eyes and your concerns come first.

Call us today at 949.208.9090 to schedule your consultation at our Costa Mesa office located at 3033 Bristol St., Suite 123. Connect with our practice on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube to learn more about Dr. Wu’s approach to corneal care. Don’t let a pterygium continue affecting your vision and quality of life—reach out today and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.

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FAQs

Can a pterygium be removed by laser?

Pterygium removal is typically performed using surgical excision rather than laser treatment, as the tissue needs to be carefully removed and the area often requires grafting to prevent recurrence. While lasers play a role in some eye procedures, traditional surgical techniques remain the gold standard for pterygium removal because they allow for precise tissue removal and reconstruction. Dr. Wu uses proven surgical methods that deliver the best long-term outcomes with minimal recurrence rates.

When should pterygium be removed?

You should consider pterygium removal when the growth causes persistent discomfort, affects your vision, interferes with contact lens wear, or bothers you cosmetically. If your pterygium is growing toward your pupil or causing significant astigmatism, earlier removal is often recommended to prevent permanent vision problems. Dr. Wu evaluates each case individually to determine the optimal timing for surgery based on your specific symptoms and how the pterygium is impacting your daily life.

Can removing a pterygium affect eyesight?

Removing a pterygium typically improves eyesight by eliminating the growth that was distorting your cornea or blocking your vision. While any eye surgery carries some risk, complications that negatively affect vision are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced cornea specialist like Dr. Wu. Most patients experience better, clearer vision after their eye has fully healed from the removal procedure.

Can you remove a pterygium after having cataract surgery?

Yes, pterygium removal can be performed after cataract surgery, though your surgeon will carefully evaluate the timing and condition of your eye before proceeding. In some cases, it may be beneficial to remove the pterygium before cataract surgery to ensure accurate measurements for your intraocular lens. Dr. Wu specializes in complex cases and can guide you on the best approach if you’ve had previous eye surgery.

How long does it take to remove a pterygium?

The actual pterygium removal procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the growth. You’ll spend additional time before and after the procedure for preparation and initial recovery monitoring, so plan for about 2-3 hours at the surgical center total. Recovery time varies, but most patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks, with complete healing occurring over 2-3 months.