Pterygium removal surgery eliminates the abnormal tissue from the cornea and sclera (white of the eye). The older, standard surgical technique left a bare hole in the conjunctiva (the surface of the eye) where the pterygium was removed. Unfortunately, this led to a high rate of pterygium regrowth.
A newer technique fills the gap in the conjunctiva left by the removal of the pterygium with a graft of tissue removed from under the eyelid. This graft is then stitched in place. A downside of this approach is that the stitches can cause discomfort while the eye heals. This healing period can last for weeks.
The latest advance in ptergyium removal surgery does away with the stitches altogether. The "no-stitch" autograft surgery (the tissue is an "autograft" because you donate it to yourself) uses a special kind of surgical glue made of clotting proteins found in human blood. There's little discomfort, the rate or recurrence is low, and patients are usually back to work within two days of surgery.
Advances have also been made in the treatment of recurrent, aggressive ptergyia. To improve the results of surgery, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman administers medication during the procedure. This adjuvant medical therapy reduces the growth of the abnormal cells. Additionally, if a lot of scar tissue prevents normal tissue even under the eyelid (the site where the graft is typically harvested), amniotic membrane grafts can be used instead of your own tissue. These techniques allow for successful removal and a reduction of recurrence rates in almost everyone!
The surgery is a very quick procedure lasting less than half an hour. You'll be lightly sedated to ensure that you're relaxed and comfortable. Your eye will be completely numbed and although you'll be aware of your surroundings, you won't be able to see.
The surgery consists of removing the pterygium and replacing it with a graft of tissue, which is glued into place. There are no sutures and the procedure is completely painless. Because of the medications you've received, you won't be able to drive yourself home. You might be slightly groggy from the sedation but you will be given some medications for discomfort, should you have any.
In the past, the standard surgical technique simply removed the pterygium and left a bare hole on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). Unfortunately, this led to a high rate of painful regrowth. Later techniques involved placing a tissue graft over the area and securing it with stitches, which often caused weeks of scratchy discomfort.
Today, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman uses the latest advancement in eye surgery: The Sutureless Conjunctival Autograft.
The Autograft: After removing the abnormal tissue, we harvest a microscopic layer of healthy tissue from underneath your upper eyelid (an "autograft" because you are donating it to yourself).
The "No-Stitch" Fibrin Glue: Instead of using painful stitches to hold the graft in place, we use a specialized, biocompatible surgical adhesive made from natural clotting proteins.
The Result: Because there are no stitches to rub against your eyelid when you blink, post-operative discomfort is incredibly low, and the risk of the pterygium growing back is nearly eliminated.
Amniotic Membrane Grafts for Aggressive CasesIf you have a severe, recurrent pterygium with significant scar tissue, Dr. Feldman may use advanced adjuvant medical therapy (medications to stop abnormal cell growth) combined with an amniotic membrane graft. This highly specialized graft promotes rapid, scar-free healing for complex cases.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure that is incredibly fast—typically lasting less than 30 minutes.
Comfort and Sedation: You will be given a mild, calming sedative to ensure you are completely relaxed.
Painless Process: Your eye will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. While you will be awake and aware of your surroundings, you will not feel any pain, nor will you be able to "see" the surgery happening.
Going Home: Because of the mild sedation, you must have a friend or family member drive you home. You may feel slightly groggy, and we will provide medication to manage any mild irritation you might feel once the numbing drops wear off.
Thanks to the no-stitch tissue glue technique, your eye will heal rapidly.
The First 48 Hours: You may experience mild scratchiness or redness. However, most patients feel well enough to return to work within two days of the surgery.
Week 1: The bio-adhesive used to secure your graft will naturally dissolve. You must avoid rubbing your eye, swimming, or exposing your eye to dust and dirt.
Weeks 2 to 4: Over the next few weeks, your eye will gradually return to a normal, healthy appearance. The redness will fade, leaving little to no trace of irritation or scarring.
Your eye will heal rapidly. You'll be able to return to work in about two days. After the first week, the adhesive used to secure your graft is no longer necessary and it will dissolve. Over the next two to four weeks, your eye will gradually return to a normal appearance with little or no traces of redness or irritation.
Learn more about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pterygium.
Q1: Is pterygium surgery painful? Ans: No, the procedure is completely painless. The heavy numbing drops ensure you feel nothing during the surgery. Afterward, the lack of stitches means you will experience significantly less discomfort than traditional methods—usually just a mild, temporary feeling like there is an eyelash in your eye. Q2: Will the pterygium come back after surgery? Ans: While older methods had a high regrowth rate, our use of the conjunctival autograft and fibrin glue has reduced the recurrence rate to an exceptionally low number. We successfully remove pterygia permanently for almost every patient. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors is the best way to protect your surgical results.
