Do you suspect you have Surfers Eye (pterygium), caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Are looking for a skilled, dedicated, ophthalmologist near you? Dr Dory Neu-Ner can help. He specialises in pterygium surgery and is equipped with the knowledge, experience and tools to perform a variety of eye surgeries.

Vision care and good eye health is imperative for us to easily be able to perform normal, everyday tasks. To diagnose, treat and manage pterygia, you need to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Dr Neu-Ner is a ptergyium surgeon, an eye care specialist devoted to ensuring that all his patients enjoy the best possible treatment for pterygia. When you enlist his services, you will receive the ultimate in professional medical and surgical eye-care.

What is a pterygium?

A pterygium is a fleshy, noncancerous growth of tissue on the conjunctiva or the thin, clear membrane on the surface of the eye. It commonly grows on the nasal side of the cornea and if left untreated, can blur or obscure your vision.

This triangular-shaped lump of tissue is also known as surfer’s eye and can affect one or both eyes. Although the exact causes of a pterygium are unknown, it is believed to be caused by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, hence the nickname surfer’s eye.

What are the symptoms of a pterygium?

Pterygiums are usually painless but normally mildly irritating. Many patients will not even experience any symptoms, especially when the growth is small. As it grows larger symptoms do occur, they may include the following:

Mild eye pain or irritation
An itching or burning sensation usually on the surface of one or both eyes
Eye inflammation or bloodshot eyes
The feeling of having something stuck in your eye
Fine, visible blood vessels
Distorted or blurred vision may occur if the pterygium grows across the cornea

What are the risk factors for a pterygium?

Pterygia occurs twice as frequently in males than females. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun appears to be the primary cause but pterygia are also known to be associated with the following:

People who spend excessive amounts of time outdoors whether for work or sport
Exposure to wind, dust and sandy environments
It is most common in smokers

Prevention and treatment

A visit to your ophthalmologist is the first and most important step in preventing and treating eye diseases and conditions including a pterygium. Maintain regular visits to Dr Neu-Ner to ensure that your eyes remain healthy. If a pterygium does develop, he can detect and treat it early.

To reduce the risk of developing a pterygium, it is important to protect your eyes from ultra-violet light. Wearing sunglasses or sun shields like wide brimmed hats can prevent its development. If you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV light, artificial tear drops can prevent any irritation.

Depending on the severity of your pterygium, treatment options may vary. These can include the following:

UV protection – If your pterygium is not causing you any vision problems, Dr Neu-Ner will advise you to wear protective eye wear when outdoors
Ointments or eye drops – Minor irritation can be treated with lubricants that soothe the cornea and reduce inflammation.
Surgery – If your pterygium is scarring your cornea and causing vision problems, Dr Dory Neu-Ner will recommend surgery. It is the only treatment that can remove a pterygium.

Pterygium surgery

In order to remove the conjunctiva growths from the eye, surgery is required. It is a minimally invasive and painless procedure. Dr. Neu-Ner will help you prepare for it by providing you with general guidelines for preparation.

Pterygium surgery is a low-risk surgery performed to remove the unwanted growth and replace it with a graft of membrane tissue. Dr. Neu-Ner will sedate you and numb your eyes to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. He will then carefully peel away the abnormal tissue from the cornea and sclera. No stitches are used and the graft is stuck with tissue glue to allow for minimal pain post operatively.

Post-surgery, Dr. Neu-Ner will also prescribe eye drops to allow for comfortable healing with minimal inflammation. To help reduce or inhibit the regrowth of a pterygium, he will encourage you to use antimetabolites. These

Pterygium Specialist

Dr. Dory Neu-Ner is Pterygium specialist with a practice in Sandton. He focuses on providing all his patients the best possible eye care services. Using advanced technology and skills, he can diagnose, treat, and surgically remove your pterygium. Should you suspect you may have one, book an appointment with him as soon as possible. Dr. Neu-Ner offers complete eye care options that will enhance your vision.

Pterygium Treatment