Patients in Lake Forest, CA, 92630, ask eye doctor, “What is surfer’s eye?”

You may have heard the term “surfer’s eye” used to describe a common eye ailment that may affect people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, such as surfers. The medical term for this condition is pterygium.

Pterygium is a noncancerous growth that forms on the white part of the eye, appearing as a pinkish tissue. The lesion typically starts in the inside of the eye and spreads toward the center. It may grow slowly over time and, in some instances, stop growing. It is thought to be caused by overexposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light, dust and wind irritation, and dry eye. It is more common among men than women, often affecting those 20 to 40 years of age or people who live in sunnier climates, such as our beautiful Orange County area.

While not a harmful condition, pterygium can occur at any age, in one or both eyes (called bilateral pterygium), and may result in discomfort, impaired vision, or the development of astigmatism.

• Blurry vision
• Itchy eyes
• Feeling of something being in the eye
• Gritty sensation
• Burning, redness, and irritation

If symptoms of pterygium are mild, the condition will most likely not require treatment. If inflammation develops or symptoms worsen, treatments may include lubricants such as drops or ointments, steroids, or surgery.

At the Orange County Eye Institute, Dr. George Salib is a respected and nationally recognized ophthalmologist. A medical doctor who has completed extensive training in the specialty field of ophthalmology, Dr. Salib is an author, lecturer, media spokesperson, researcher, and innovator in eye care and the vision system. He specializes in eye surgeries such as cataracts, LASIK refractive surgery, laser surgery, intraocular lens transplants, pterygium surgery, and all aspects of eye treatment.

If surgery is considered the most appropriate treatment for pterygium, the procedure typically involves removal of the growth and replacement of the patient’s own surface eye tissue, called conjunctiva. Occasionally, some patients do experience a recurrence of the growth.

The Orange County Eye Institute serves patients from Laguna Hills 92653, Aliso Viejo 92656, Lake Forest 92630, and surrounding CA communities. For a consultation or appointment, call our friendly and professional staff at (949) 441-5444 or request an appointment online.

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