What is surfers eye?
Surfer’s eye, also known as pterygium, is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the clear, thin tissue covering the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) and may extend onto the cornea. It is often seen in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly surfers, hence the name “surfer’s eye.”
The condition is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and wind, and is more common in people who live in sunny, dry climates. Symptoms of surfer’s eye may include redness, irritation, blurred vision, and a feeling that something is in the eye.
While surfer’s eye is not typically a serious condition, it can cause discomfort and affect vision if it grows large enough to interfere with the cornea. Treatment options for surfer’s eye may include eye drops or ointments to relieve symptoms, as well as surgical removal of the growth if it is large enough or causing significant discomfort. Wearing protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, can also help prevent surfer’s eye.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of surfer’s eye, or pterygium, can vary depending on the size and location of the growth. Some common symptoms may include:
- A raised, fleshy growth on the surface of the eye
- Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Irritation or discomfort in the eye
- Dryness or a feeling of grittiness in the eye
- Blurred vision or distortion of the cornea (in more severe cases)
- Sensitivity to light
- Itching or burning sensations
In some cases, surfer’s eye may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, as the growth progresses and expands onto the cornea, it can cause more significant discomfort and affect vision. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have noticed a growth on the surface of your eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Why is pterygium called surfers eye
Pterygium is sometimes called “surfer’s eye” because it is a common condition among people who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight and windy conditions, such as surfers. The name “surfer’s eye” implies that the condition is more likely to affect surfers than other people, but it can actually affect anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in sunny, dry environments.
The connection between pterygium and surfing may be due to the fact that surfers often spend long hours in the sun and wind, and are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a known risk factor for the development of pterygium. In addition, surfers are often in and out of the water, which can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes, potentially making them more susceptible to the development of pterygium.
While “surfer’s eye” is a common term for pterygium, it’s important to note that this condition can affect anyone who is regularly exposed to UV radiation and windy conditions, not just surfers.
Causes
The exact cause of pterygium, or surfer’s eye, is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other environmental factors. Here are some of the known causes and risk factors of pterygium:
- UV radiation: Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a known risk factor for pterygium. UV radiation can cause changes in the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to the development of a pterygium.
- Dry, windy environments: Living or working in dry, windy environments can increase the risk of developing pterygium. The wind can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes, making them more susceptible to the growth of a pterygium.
- Age: Pterygium is more common in people over the age of 40.
- Gender: Pterygium is more common in men than in women.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic component to the development of pterygium, as it tends to run in families.
- Other environmental factors: Exposure to dust, pollutants, and other environmental factors may also increase the risk of developing pterygium.
If you are at risk for developing pterygium, it’s important to protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear when you are outdoors. If you are experiencing symptoms of pterygium or notice a growth on your eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
How Long does Pterygium last?
The duration of surfer’s eye, or pterygium, can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. In some cases, surfer’s eye may not cause any noticeable symptoms and may not require treatment. However, if the growth becomes large enough or begins to interfere with vision, treatment may be necessary.
The most common treatment for surfer’s eye is surgical removal of the growth. This can be done on an outpatient basis and typically involves the use of local anesthesia to numb the eye. After the surgery, the eye may be red and irritated for a few weeks, and vision may be blurry for a few days. It may take several weeks for the eye to fully heal, and in some cases, a recurrence of the growth is possible.
In cases where the surfer’s eye is mild, treatment with artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, or anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to relieve symptoms and prevent further growth of the pterygium. However, these treatments may not eliminate the pterygium completely, and the growth may continue to slowly progress over time.
In general, the duration of surfer’s eye depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of surfer’s eye or have noticed a growth on your eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of surfer’s eye, or pterygium, can vary depending on the size and location of the growth. Some common symptoms may include:
- A raised, fleshy growth on the surface of the eye
- Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Irritation or discomfort in the eye
- Dryness or a feeling of grittiness in the eye
- Blurred vision or distortion of the cornea (in more severe cases)
- Sensitivity to light
- Itching or burning sensations
In some cases, surfer’s eye may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, as the growth progresses and expands onto the cornea, it can cause more significant discomfort and affect vision. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have noticed a growth on the surface of your eye, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Is it a serious condition?
Surfer’s eye, or pterygium, is generally not a serious condition, but it can cause discomfort and affect vision in some cases. In its early stages, it may not cause any noticeable symptoms and may not require treatment. However, if the growth becomes large enough, it can cause redness, irritation, dryness, and discomfort in the eye. In more severe cases, the growth may extend onto the cornea, causing blurred vision or distortion of the cornea.
While surfer’s eye is not typically a sight-threatening condition, it’s important to monitor any growths on the surface of the eye and see an eye doctor if you notice any changes or worsening symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the growth and prevent further progression. It’s also important to take steps to prevent surfer’s eye by protecting your eyes from UV radiation and wearing protective eyewear in bright sunlight and windy conditions.
Overall, while surfer’s eye is not a life-threatening condition, it can be uncomfortable and affect vision if left untreated, so it’s important to seek appropriate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms or have noticed a growth on your eye.
Difference between Pterygium and Pingecula?
A pterygium and a pinguecula are both growths that can occur on the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye. While they may look similar, there are some differences between the two:
- Location: A pinguecula typically occurs on the sclera (white part of the eye) next to the cornea, while a pterygium can occur on the sclera or cornea itself.
- Appearance: A pinguecula is usually a yellowish or whitish raised bump on the eye, while a pterygium is typically fleshy and wedge-shaped and can extend onto the cornea.
- Symptoms: A pinguecula may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while a pterygium can cause redness, irritation, dryness, and discomfort in the eye.
- Progression: A pinguecula may not grow or change significantly over time, while a pterygium can continue to grow and potentially cause vision problems if left untreated.
Both pinguecula and pterygium are thought to be caused by exposure to UV radiation, wind, dust, and other environmental factors. While they are generally not serious conditions, it’s important to monitor any growths on the surface of the eye and see an eye doctor if you notice any changes or worsening symptoms. If a pterygium becomes large enough to affect vision or cause discomfort, surgery may be necessary to remove the growth.
Do I need surgery?
Whether or not you need surgery for a pinguecula or pterygium depends on the size and location of the growth, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing. In most cases, a pinguecula does not require treatment unless it is causing discomfort or affecting your vision. However, if a pterygium is large enough to cause significant redness, irritation, dryness, discomfort, or vision problems, your eye doctor may recommend surgery to remove the growth.
Surgery for a pterygium is typically a minor procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. During the surgery, the growth is removed and the affected area is covered with a graft of healthy tissue to help prevent the pterygium from recurring. After the surgery, your doctor will likely recommend taking steps to prevent the growth from coming back, such as wearing protective eyewear and using lubricating eye drops.
If you have a pinguecula or pterygium and are concerned about your symptoms or the appearance of the growth, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment. They can help you determine whether surgery is necessary and what the best course of action is for your individual situation.
Recurrence rate?
The recurrence rate of a pterygium after surgical removal can vary, but it generally ranges from 10 to 30 percent. Factors that can increase the risk of recurrence include a large size of the original pterygium, previous recurrence, and failure to take steps to prevent the growth from coming back, such as wearing protective eyewear and using lubricating eye drops.
To reduce the risk of recurrence, your doctor may recommend taking certain precautions after the surgery, such as using lubricating eye drops, avoiding exposure to UV radiation and wind, and wearing protective eyewear when outside. They may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor the affected area and catch any signs of recurrence early.
In some cases, additional surgery may be necessary if a pterygium recurs after surgical removal. However, with proper precautions and follow-up care, the risk of recurrence can be minimized.
Prevention of Pterygium or recurrence
The following measures may help prevent the development or recurrence of a pterygium or pinguecula:
- Protect your eyes from UV radiation: UV radiation from the sun can increase the risk of developing a pterygium or pinguecula. To reduce this risk, wear a hat with a wide brim and UV-blocking sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
- Wear protective eyewear: In addition to UV-blocking sunglasses, consider wearing protective eyewear when participating in activities that expose your eyes to wind, dust, and other environmental factors. This can include activities like surfing, skiing, and biking.
- Use lubricating eye drops: If your eyes feel dry or irritated, use lubricating eye drops to help soothe and protect your eyes.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing a pterygium or pinguecula, as well as other eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Maintain good eye hygiene: Keep your eyes clean and free of debris by washing your hands frequently and avoiding rubbing your eyes.
- Monitor any growths on your eye: If you notice any growths on your eye, monitor them for changes in size or appearance, and see an eye doctor if you have any concerns.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of developing a pterygium or pinguecula and help prevent the growth from recurring after surgical removal.
Special surgical techniques Khanna Vision uses to prevent recurrence
- Accurate marking and removal of the entire pterygium
- Smoothen the surface of cornea
- Removal of the membrane called tenons
- Heat to close vessels feeding it
- Proportionate conjunctival graft
- Glue the graft with no stitches