“Pterygium is far more common and has far more impact on patients—than implied by the casual name, ‘surfer’s eye.’ Chronic symptoms can impose a daily burden on people grappling with the ...

Pinguecula and pterygium are mostly asymptomatic, but sometimes they become irritated. This may feel like sand caught in the eye, accompanied by burning, itching, or tearing, says Yin.

Treating a pterygium starts conservatively with lubrication from artificial tears and topical anti-inflammatory drops. But at a certain point, surgery is the only way to totally get rid of the growth.

ABC13 spoke with Tracy Kelly, who recently had pterygium removal surgery back in August. "I actually grew up on the beach in Florida. I had a fun childhood, but I paid for it years later," said Kelly.

SAN FRANCISCO — Techniques for pterygium excision have not changed significantly from the past, but data from cumulative experience show that conjunctival autograft in combination with surgical ...