Pterygium Surgery in the Bay Area – Advanced Removal with Lower Recurrence
Pterygium surgery involves removing abnormal tissue that grows over the white of the eye (sclera) and onto the cornea. When left untreated, a pterygium can continue to enlarge, leading to irritation, redness, and in some cases, impaired vision.
Modern surgical techniques have significantly improved outcomes, particularly by reducing the risk of recurrence.
Why Older Techniques Are No Longer Preferred
Traditional pterygium removal, often referred to as the “bare sclera” technique, involved removing the growth and leaving the underlying tissue exposed.
While the eye typically healed within a few weeks, this method had a high recurrence rate – up to 50%. In many cases, the pterygium returned more aggressively than the original growth.
Other methods, including radiation and antimetabolite medications, have been used to reduce recurrence. However, these approaches carry risks such as:
- Delayed healing
- Surface breakdown (epithelial defects)
- Corneal thinning or “melting”
Conjunctival Autograft – The Modern Standard
Today, most corneal specialists perform pterygium surgery using a conjunctival autograft, which has been shown to significantly reduce recurrence rates.
In this technique:
- The pterygium is carefully removed
- The corneal surface is restored
- A thin piece of healthy tissue is taken from beneath the upper eyelid
- This tissue is placed over the area where the growth was removed
Because the graft comes from your own eye, it integrates naturally and helps prevent abnormal tissue from growing back.
Stitches vs No-Stitch Technique
In traditional autograft surgery, the graft is secured with sutures. While effective, stitches can cause:
- Eye irritation
- Foreign body sensation
- Discomfort during the healing process
To improve patient comfort and recovery time, a no-stitch (sutureless) technique has become increasingly preferred.
No-Stitch Pterygium Surgery – Faster Recovery, Less Discomfort
With the no-stitch approach, the graft is secured using a specialized tissue adhesive rather than sutures.
This technique offers several advantages:
- Less post-operative discomfort
- Shorter surgical time
- Faster return to normal activities (often within 1–2 days)
- Reduced inflammation during healing
Clinical data has shown that patients undergoing no-stitch surgery experience significantly less pain compared to traditional methods, with excellent outcomes and low recurrence rates.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Pterygium surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
During the procedure:
- The eye is numbed completely, and light sedation is used for comfort
- The abnormal tissue is removed from the cornea and sclera
- A thin conjunctival graft is placed over the area
- Tissue adhesive is used to secure the graft in place
The procedure itself is relatively brief, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and Healing
After surgery:
- The eye gradually returns to a more normal appearance over 2–3 weeks
- Mild redness and irritation are expected early on
- Vision typically stabilizes as the surface heals
The tissue adhesive naturally dissolves within about a week, leaving no residue.
Safety of Tissue Adhesive
The adhesive used in no-stitch surgery is made from proteins involved in natural blood clotting. It has been widely used in medical procedures and has an excellent safety profile, with no reported cases of blood-borne infection in large-scale use.
Advanced Surgical Care in Mountain View
At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group in Mountain View, pterygium surgery is performed using modern techniques designed to improve comfort, reduce recurrence, and support long-term eye health.
Request an Appointment for Evaluation
If you have a pterygium that is growing, causing irritation, or affecting your vision, early evaluation can help determine the best treatment approach.
Call (650) 961-2585 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation and review your options.