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Red, burning eyes can be a constant nuisance that impacts your vision. These symptoms are shared among many eye conditions, including a pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye. If you feel you may have this triangular, pinkish tissue growth on the cornea, it’s important to see an eye doctor. Here’s a closer look at the condition so you can ensure timely treatment.

Causes & Symptoms

A pterygium is a growth on the mucous membrane that covers the surface of your eye. It’s a non-cancerous growth and is usually triangular. While the exact cause isn’t known, it’s more common in patients who live in warm climates and receive a lot of sun exposure. This has led to the nickname “surfer’s eye.” Wind, sand, pollen, and smoke are also thought to contribute.

Symptoms can be mild or severe and include:

  • Swelling or redness on the sclera (white part of the eye)
  • Yellow spots on the sclera
  • Burning and itchy sensations
  • Blurred vision

Serious cases of pterygium can impact your vision if the growth expands enough to block eyesight or alter the shape of the cornea. For this reason as well as your current comfort, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Treatment

vision-cincinnatiA pterygium is usually not considered medically serious. Your eye doctor will first use a slit lamp to identify and diagnose the pterygium. They’ll then perform a visual acuity test to see if it’s impacting your vision.

Most cases don’t require treatment. If you’re dealing with chronic redness, the eye doctor may prescribe a medication to manage inflammation. Growths that do interfere with vision may be removed surgically.

Prevention

Wear sunglasses if you spend a lot of time outside or are exposed to wind and other elements. These will also prevent UV damage from the sun and shield your eyes from debris. If you’re dealing with dryness or redness, use eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated.

 

It’s important to schedule eye care exams to stay ahead of problems, and an eye doctor at Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight is ready to help. This practice welcomes patients throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky area. The team addresses a variety of issues, offering glaucoma and cataract surgery, LASIK, and general eye care services. Call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an exam and visit their website to learn more about their services.

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