Wing membrane (pterygium)

The pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the white part of the eye. It is more prone to occur at older ages and is more common in those who spend most of their time outdoors. Also known as ‘surfer’s eye’, pterygia does not only affect those who regularly surf.

Pterygium may be symptomless at first, but as it starts to grow, you may notice that your eye looks red, itchy or you start to feel that there is something in it. You may also notice the growth of a pinkish discolouration on your eye.

Can occur in one or both eyes; most pterygia occur in the corner of the eye, on the side of the nose. When they become larger and cross the cornea, the clear covering of the eye, vision can become blurred as it wraps around the cornea and causes astigmatism. In extreme cases, pterygium can progress and obscure your vision by crossing the cornea.

Pterygium is associated with exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation when most of the day is spent outside. Those who spend time close to snow or water without proper sunglasses are at the highest risk because of the additional amount of light reflected from these surfaces.

Pterygium is most common in adults aged 20 to 50, especially men, and is more prevalent in areas where there is a higher risk of UV exposure and where there are more environmental irritants such as wind, dust, chemicals and air pollution. If you have fair skin and light eyes, you have a higher risk of developing pterygium.

Your eye specialist will diagnose the pterygium by carefully examining your eyes using a magnifying slit lamp. He or she will also check your vision using eye examination charts and photography to monitor the growth of the mass.

At the same time, attempts will be made to confirm or exclude other possible eye disorders:

• Eye redness;
• Dry eyes;
• Hyaline (fatty) dystrophy(pinguecula).