The primary cause of pterygium, a growth of scar tissue and blood vessels on the surface of the eye, is cumulative UV radiation, typically from sun exposure. Dry, windy, dusty conditions can also contribute. Like skin made winkled and leathery by sun damage, the conjunctiva responds to UV damage by becoming rough and thick. The thickened and uneven surface causes irritation and ultimately, impaired sight. Left untreated, pterygium can rob you of your vision.
100% UV Protection: Before you buy a pair of sunglasses, make sure the label explicitly indicates that they offer "100% UV Protection" or "UV 400".
Wrap-Around Styles: Oversized and wrap styles provide much better protection than smaller frames. Wrap-around frames block harmful UV rays from entering the sides of your eyes and act as a physical shield against drying winds and dust.
Polarization for Water: Water, snow, and sand all aggressively reflect UV rays. If you spend time on the water or the beach, make sure to wear polarized sunglasses to cut through the intense glare. Because UV damage is the culprit behind most cases of pterygium, the best way to prevent the condition is to adequately protect your eyes from sun damage. Wide-brimmed hats and visors can help shade the eyes but sunglasses are even more crucial.
Many people mistakenly think that the higher the price tag or darker the lens, the more protection a pair of sunglasses provides. This isn't the case! In fact, neither price nor lens color guarantees adequate UV protection. Before you buy a pair of sunglasses, make sure the label indicates that they offer "100% UV Protection" or "UV 400". Oversized and wrap styles provide better protection than smaller frames.
Make sure you wear your sunglasses at all times - even in the winter and even in the shade. UV rays can bounce off of surfaces so even if you're not directly in the sun, your eyes can still be damaged. Water, snow, and sand all reflect UV rays so no matter what your environment or climate, it's important to wear your sunglasses or UV-proof goggles. If you are on the water, make sure to wear polarized sunglasses.
Wear Protection Year-Round: Make sure you wear your sunglasses at all times—even in the winter and even in the shade. UV rays bounce off of surfaces, meaning your eyes can still be damaged even if you are not directly in the sun.
Use Protective Goggles: If you work in construction, ride motorcycles, or spend time in dry, dusty environments, UV-proof goggles provide a complete seal to keep irritants out of your eyes.
Lubricating Eye Drops: While over-the-counter artificial tears will not cure a pterygium, using them frequently can flush out irritating dust and relieve the dryness and inflammation that encourages the tissue to grow.
If you already have a pterygium, preventative measures can keep it from getting worse, but they cannot make the existing scar tissue disappear.
If your Surfer's Eye is causing chronic redness, burning, or beginning to distort your vision, it is time to seek professional medical care. Dr. Sandy Feldman of ClearView Eye & Laser Medical Center in San Diego offers the latest, most advanced treatments for pterygium, including no-stitch removal techniques that prioritize your comfort and rapid recovery. Dr. Sandy Feldman of ClearView Eye & Laser Medical Center offers the latest treatments for pterygium, including no-stitch removal. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pterygium.
Click here to read Pterygium Removal Surgery: What to Expect.
