Pterygium Surgery

A pterygium is a fleshy, whitish-red growth that comes from the conjunctiva (the white part of your eyes) and grows onto the cornea (the clear window on the front of your eye). This condition, which is caused by sun exposure, is usually not a serious or urgent problem. It often becomes a problem when it starts to grow close to the center of the eye or when it causes discomfort. In rare cases, other worrisome eye growths can mimic a pterygium. It is necessary to monitor their growth and to determine when it becomes necessary to surgically remove the pterygium.

​​​​​​​The surgeons at the Orange County Eye Institute will thoroughly examine your eyes to detect any pterygium growth, and they will advise you on the proper treatment. In many cases, the treatment is simply wearing sunglasses to minimize sun exposure on your eyes. The comfort of the eye is promoted by the use of artificial tears and sometimes eye allergy drops. When surgery is necessary, this procedure is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The eye physicians here at the Orange County Eye Institute are experts at pterygium removal, having performed an extraordinary amount of such surgeries, and we will guide you throughout the whole process.

Pterygium – causes, implications, and treatments are available.

What is the Pterygium? Have you noticed a growth in the whites of your eye? Have you been exposed to a lot of sun and are now experiencing slightly blurred vision or eye irritation? You may have a Pterygium—which is a growth in the mucus membrane that covers the white part of the eye. It is usually not a serious condition however it is best to deal with the growth right away. Our experts at Orange County Eye Institute are very proficient in identifying and treating Pterygium. Click on the video to find out more.

Dr. George Salib is a leading cataract specialist and top ophthalmic surgeon in California.

​​​​​​​An alumnus of UCLA, Georgetown University, and University of Wisconsin Medical School, he received ophthalmology training at King-Drew Medical Center, a residency program affiliated with UCLA, and followed a fellowship in advanced surgical techniques at Tulane University, New Orleans.

Besides cataract treatments, Dr. Salib is also experienced in multifocal lenses, laser eye treatments, Glaucoma, corneal transplants, macular degeneration, Comprehensive eye care, Laser-assisted cataract surgery, Dry eye and pterygium surgery. He is passionate about educating others on eye health and is committed to helping patients maximize their vision and living their lives to the fullest.

Connect with George Salib , MD, MS on Linkedin