Pterygium, publicly known as “surfer’s eye”, is a common eye condition in our country. It is more common in people who live in dry and warm climates, work outdoors and are exposed to sun and dust. Certain people, such as sailors and farmers, should wear hats and sunglasses for protection.

It is the triangular, mostly hyperemic and protruding tissue at the conjunctiva, usually near the medial side of the cornea. It is not confined to the conjunctiva and progresses to the cornea – the outermost clear layer of the eye. It may cause astigmatism and irreversible visual impairments by causing stains at the cornea. Therefore, pterygium is not only an aesthetic disorder and requires treatment at early stages.

Pterygium must be surgically removed.In the same session we place the thin, clear, membrane-like tissue piece (conjunctiva graft) to prevent recurrence. (Pterygium operation with autograft) We don’t use sutures,since we use a special tissue glue in this operation that is performed under local anesthesia. Complaints of irritation, watering and redness in the eye are relatively less common and this provides a comfortable postoperative period. Recurrence rate is fairly low thanks to this method and success rate and patient satisfaction are much higher compared to surgeries with sutures.