What is surfer’s eye?
Surfer’s eye (medically known as pterygium, pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is a condition that affects the eye’s conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that coats your eyeballs and lines the inside of the eyelids. It’s a growth of fleshy tissue that usually first appears in the corner of the eye.
Before a surfer’s eye overgrowth develops, people often notice a pinguecula, or a small, yellowish bump or patch somewhere on the sclera. These two conditions are not directly related, but do share causes and may occur together.
The raised tissue often appears pinkish (because of tiny blood vessels in the eye), and may cause eye irritation or the feeling of a foreign object in the eye. It usually starts on the side of the eye closer to the nose and can gradually extend towards the pupil.
What causes surfer’s eye?
The moniker “surfer’s eye” is derived from the fact that people who spend a lot of time in sunny climates and windy conditions (like surfers) are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
While a surfer’s eye lesion is not cancerous, it is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light (UV). It can also be caused by wind, dust, and sand irritating the surface of the eye.
What are the symptoms of surfer’s eye?
If you notice any symptoms of surfer’s eye, you should contact our optometrists immediately for a thorough eye exam. When caught early, we can treat the affected area before symptoms worsen.
If left untreated, the tissue can continue growing and change the shape of your cornea, resulting in other vision problems.
Symptoms of surfer’s eye can include:
- Redness or bloodshot eyes
- Itching, burning, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
- Blurred vision
- Dry eye
- Cosmetic concerns from the appearance of the growing pterygia.
How do we treat surfer’s eye?
Treatment options for surfer’s eye depend on the severity of the growth and your symptoms. While pterygium will never go away on its own, keeping it small and managed can prevent serious eye damage.
Mild cases may be managed with over-the-counter ointments or lubricating eye drops. These treatments can relieve discomfort and slow or stop the continuing growth of the lesion.
In more severe cases, steroid eye drops may be considered.
In the worst cases, pterygium surgery is necessary for relief and to stop the ongoing growth of the lesion.
However, recurrence of the growth is possible even after surgical removal. Using an amniotic membrane graft, the eye health experts at Assil Gaur Eye Institute can drastically reduce your risk of pterygium recurrence after surgery.
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How to prevent surfer’s eye
While there is no surefire way to prevent surfer’s eye, you can take several measures to minimize your risk.
- Wear sunglasses. Wraparound sunglasses that offer 100% protection from UV rays (both UVA and UVB) and shield your eyes even from the sides will prevent excessive exposure to damaging UV rays—always a good idea for eye protection.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat. With or without sunglasses, hats can further help to shade your eyes from direct sunlight.
- Use artificial tears. Eye drops that keep your eyes lubricated will reduce irritation caused by dryness, and can help prevent inflammation and growths.
- Limit your UV exposure. Try to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), when UV radiation is the strongest. If you use tanning beds, use protective eyewear to protect your eyes from the UV light.
- Protect your eyes in windy conditions. Wraparound sunglasses or goggles can shield your eyes from dust and debris when you’re in windy environments.
- Take regular breaks from the sun. If you’re spending a lot of time in conditions that can contribute to surfer’s eye, give your eyes a rest by taking periodic breaks indoors.
- Stay hydrated. Maintaining proper tear production is essential for keeping your eyes comfortable.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. When your eyes feel itchy or irritated, use a clean, damp cloth to gently clean them instead of rubbing.
- Maintain good eye hygiene! Keep your eyes clean and free from debris by washing your face and eyes regularly.
- Make sure to have regular eye checkups. Early detection and management of any eye conditions can prevent them from progressing
Why trust AGEI with surfer’s eye concerns?
Under the leadership of Drs. Assil and Sodhi Gaur, the Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI) has assembled a team of top ophthalmologists from around the country who continue our tradition of offering patients the highest quality of specialist eye care in the United States. In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our doctors keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.
Today, our eye doctors are nationally recognized for compassionate, patient-centric care, commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and dedication to supporting our patients’ and community’s health and well-being.
Los Angeles’ leading LASIK, cataract, and retinal surgeons are available to you in one practice. State-of-the-art treatments are available for all eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular disease, dry eye, and diabetic eye complications, to name just a few.
Assil Gaur Eye Institute remains laser-focused on our founding mission of providing exceptional health care in a compassionate and caring environment. We continue to be driven to advance the field of ophthalmology and give back to our community, every day.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
