A raised area on the white part of the eye can be unsettling, especially when it starts to feel irritated or look more noticeable. Some pterygiums stay small for a long time, while others slowly spread toward the cornea. What matters most is whether it is irritating your eye, changing your vision, or starting to reach the cornea.
For pterygium care in Monterey Park and the surrounding Los Angeles area, the team at Linda Vision evaluates both surgical and non-surgical options through its pterygium surgery services. Dr. Bach Lan Linda Vu, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in pterygium surgery and has served the San Gabriel Valley area for nearly two decades.
What Is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a fleshy, pink tissue growth that develops on the surface of the eye and may cross onto the cornea. It is also called carnosidad or pterigión in Spanish. It can affect one or both eyes, and some people may have more than one.
Early pterygiums may not cause symptoms. As they grow, they can lead to burning, itching, dryness, visible irritation, or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. A larger pterygium can distort the cornea and contribute to astigmatism or vision changes.
When Removal May Be Recommended
Many pterygiums can be watched, especially when they are small and not bothering you. Removal may become the better option when the tissue causes ongoing discomfort, persistent redness, vision changes, or cosmetic concerns.
An eye exam is the only way to know whether a pterygium is beginning to spread or affect the cornea. At Linda Vision, we examine the eye, check for other conditions, and talk through possible risks before making a recommendation.
What Happens During Pterygium Surgery?
Pterygium surgery at Linda Vision is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The eye is numbed, and the pterygium is removed. A small piece of unaffected white tissue may be grafted to the area where the tissue was removed to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
After surgery, recovery takes time. Our pterygium surgery recovery guidance may include prescription eye drops, rest, sun protection, and follow-up appointments. Linda Vision’s program includes follow-up pterygium checkups for 12 months after surgery with Dr. Vu.
Get Your Eye Checked at Linda Vision
An exam can show whether your pterygium is stable or starting to interfere with the surface of your eye. Linda Vision sees patients in Monterey Park and Rosemead, and Dr. Bach Lan Linda Vu, MD can explain whether monitoring, drops, or surgery is the better next step. Please contact us or call 626-382-2020 to arrange a visit.
