Pterygium: the fleshy growth on the white of the eye
A pterygium is a wedge of pink, fleshy tissue that grows from the white of the eye onto the cornea, usually from the nose side. It is common in people who spend years outdoors in sun, dust and wind. Small ones only need protection and drops; ones that grow towards the centre or blur vision are removed in a short day-care operation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ananyabrata Das, MBBS, DOUpdated 22 October 2026
Signs
- A visible triangular growth on the white of the eye
- Redness, grittiness or a feeling that something is in the eye
- Blurred vision or new astigmatism as it pulls on the cornea
A pinguecula is a yellowish bump that stays on the white of the eye and does not cross onto the cornea. It rarely needs surgery.
When surgery is advised
- It is growing towards the centre of the cornea
- It is causing astigmatism or blurred vision
- It is persistently red and irritated despite drops
- Before cataract or LASIK surgery, to get accurate measurements
How it is done
The growth is removed, and the bare area is covered with a thin graft of your own conjunctiva from under the upper lid, held with tissue glue or fine stitches. This conjunctival autograft lowers the chance of the pterygium growing back compared with simply cutting it off. The eye is padded for a day; drops are used for several weeks.
Protect your eyes afterwards: sunglasses with UV protection outdoors reduce the chance of recurrence.
Questions
Can pterygium be removed without surgery?
No. Drops reduce redness and irritation but do not remove it.
Will it come back?
It can. Autograft surgery and UV protection afterwards make recurrence much less likely.
Is pterygium surgery covered by insurance?
Usually, when it is medically advised. Check with the desk and your insurer; CGHS and WBHS patients bring their card.