Pterygium surgery is performed when a pterygium—an abnormal, wedge-shaped growth of tissue from the white of the eye onto the cornea—causes irritation, recurrent redness, blurred vision, or threatens the visual axis. The goal of surgery is to remove the growth, relieve symptoms, improve vision, and prevent further progression onto the cornea.

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How pterygium surgery works is by carefully excising the abnormal tissue from the cornea and sclera, then covering the area with a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane to reduce the risk of recurrence. The procedure is typically done as an outpatient surgery with local anesthesia. Recovery involves temporary redness and irritation, but modern techniques have significantly lowered recurrence rates and improved comfort and long-term outcomes.