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Pterygium & Laser Eye Surgery

Find out how laser eye surgery can remove pterygium and restore clear, comfortable vision.

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Pterygium and Laser Eye Surgery, Cataract Removal, or Refractive Lens Exchange: What You Need to Know

Do You Have a Pterygium and Want Clear Vision Surgery?

If you have a pterygium and are considering laser eye surgery, cataract removal, or refractive lens exchange (RLE), it's important to address the pterygium first. At the Laser Eye Centre, we specialise in comprehensive vision correction, including pterygium diagnosis preparing your eyes for advanced procedures like LASIK, SMILE, PRK, Cataracts, IOL (Intra Ocular Lens Replacement) 

What Is a Pterygium?

A pterygium (pronounced te-ridge-ee-um) is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. It often starts near the nose and can grow onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision.

While pterygia are not harmful in themselves, they can:

  • Cause eye redness, irritation, or a gritty feeling
  • Lead to blurred or distorted vision from astigmatism
  • Impact your ability to wear contact lenses
  • Interfere with eye surgery measurements and outcomes

Can I Have Eye Surgery If I Have a Pterygium?

If you're planning to undergo laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, or RLE, an existing pterygium can:

  • Distort the corneal shape, leading to inaccurate laser calibration
  • Obstruct vision, reducing surgical effectiveness
  • Cause inflammation that slows healing post-surgery

In most cases, the pterygium should be removed first. Our experienced eye surgeons will assess your condition and guide you on the best sequence of treatment.

What Causes Pterygium?

Pterygia typically develop due to long-term exposure to UV light and environmental irritants. Risk factors include:

  • High UV exposure (e.g., outdoor workers, athletes, surfers)
  • Living in sunny climates (such as New Zealand)
  • Windy, dusty, or dry environments
  • Age (most common between 40–50)
  • Male gender has a slightly higher risk

Common Pterygium Symptoms

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may have a pterygium:

  • Persistent eye redness or inflammation
  • A visible, fleshy growth on the white of the eye
  • Blurred or distorted vision due to corneal changes
  • Dryness, itching, or the sensation of a foreign object
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Pterygium Treatment Options

At the Laser Eye Centre, we offer both non-surgical and surgical pterygium treatment, tailored to your needs and any upcoming eye surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Ideal for mild or early-stage pterygium:

  • Artificial tears to soothe irritation
  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops (short-term use)
  • UV protection (wrap-around sunglasses, hats)
  • Avoidance of wind, dust, smoke, and dry air

Pterygium Surgery (Conjunctival Autograft)

If the pterygium is growing toward your cornea, distorting your vision, or affecting surgical planning, we may recommend pterygium removal surgery.

Surgical highlights:

  • Quick, outpatient procedure (15–20 minutes)
  • Performed under local anaesthetic
  • Uses a self-graft (conjunctival autograft) from your own eye
  • Fibrin glue instead of stitches for faster healing
  • Very low recurrence rate (~1–2%)

Recovery After Pterygium Removal

Most patients experience a smooth recovery and minimal discomfort. Here’s what to expect:

  • Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks
  • Avoid rubbing your eye, swimming, and dusty environments
  • Wear an eye shield at night to protect healing
  • Redness and swelling may persist for a few weeks before fully resolving

Reducing the Risk of Pterygium Recurrence

Our advanced surgical techniques significantly lower recurrence rates. You can help by:

  • Completing your post-operative medication
  • Wearing UV-blocking wrap-around sunglasses
  • Avoiding irritants like dust, wind, and smoke

Ready to Talk to an Expert?

Whether you live in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, or Central & Lower North Island, expert laser eye surgery advice is never far away:

Hamilton
New Plymouth
Tauranga
Pukekohe
Taupo

With over 35 years of experience in advanced eye care, we’re proud to support every patient in their journey, whether it’s through Laser Eye Surgery or another tailored treatment path.

Let our experienced team evaluate your eye health and determine the safest path forward, together, so book your free vision assessment today and take the first step toward clearer vision, with confidence.

Phone: 0800 733 2020 or book online here

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