If you’ve noticed a fleshy, pink growth on the white of your eye, you may have a pterygium, or surfer’s eye. It can cause irritation, redness, and sometimes affect your vision. At Murdoch Eye Centre, Dr Phil McGeorge, one of Perth’s leading ophthalmic surgeons, performs advanced pterygium surgery to remove the growth and restore comfort and clarity.
Understanding how pterygium eye surgery in Perth works, what recovery involves, and how it feels helps you make an informed decision about your treatment.
What Is a Pterygium?
A pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue that starts on the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva) and may extend onto the cornea. It’s most common among people who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunny, dry, or windy conditions, which is why it’s often called “surfer’s eye”.
Causes include long-term exposure to UV light, dust, wind, and dry environments. Over time, this exposure can lead to inflammation and tissue changes on the eye surface.
Symptoms often include:
- Redness or irritation
- A gritty or foreign body sensation
- Blurred or distorted vision (if the growth extends across the cornea)
- Noticeable cosmetic change in the eye’s appearance
While pterygium is not extremely common in all regions, it is significant in sun-exposed and rural populations. A cost-of-illness study estimated that pterygium occurs in about 1.1% of Australians overall, and in older men (over age 60), the rate can be as high as 12%.
When Is Pterygium Surgery Necessary?
Not every pterygium needs surgery. In many cases, Dr Phil McGeorge may first recommend simple treatments like lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory medication, and strong UV protection. These steps often help ease irritation and slow the growth.
Dr McGeorge may suggest pterygium surgery if you notice that:
- The growth is affecting your vision or distorting your cornea
- It’s growing quickly toward the centre of your eye
- You have ongoing discomfort, tearing, or redness that doesn’t improve with drops
- The appearance of the growth is bothering you cosmetically
Our focus is to protect your vision, restore comfort, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Learn more: The Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist: Which Do You Need?
How Does Pterygium Surgery Work?
Pterygium removal in Perth offers a safe, effective, and quick outpatient solution. We perform the procedure under local anaesthesia. Here’s what happens when you visit us:
- Before the appointment: Secure a referral from your GP or optometrist to ensure a smooth consultation process. As a preferred provider for HBF, Dr McGeorge makes accessing expert eye care simple and convenient.
- Pre-surgery assessment: We examine your eyes to measure the size, thickness, and position of the pterygium. We review your medical history to plan the safest and most effective treatment for your eyes.
- On the day of surgery, you receive local anaesthetic drops and mild sedation to stay relaxed and comfortable. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Removal of the pterygium: Dr McGeorge removes the abnormal tissue from the surface of your eye with precision, leaving the healthy tissue untouched.
- Conjunctival autograft: He places a thin piece of healthy conjunctival tissue from another part of your eye over the treated area. This conjunctival autograft lowers the chance of recurrence and supports faster healing.
- Completion and recovery: He secures the graft with fine sutures or tissue adhesive. You rest for a short time before going home the same day with protective eyewear and clear recovery instructions.
Before your visit for pterygium assessment, protect your eyes from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. Use lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry or irritated before your appointment.
Does Pterygium Surgery Hurt?
Many patients worry about pain, but pterygium surgery doesn’t hurt. Local anaesthetic completely numbs your eye so that you won’t feel pain. Some people notice light pressure or movement during the procedure.
After surgery, mild redness or a gritty feeling is normal, like having an eyelash in your eye. Simple pain relief and prescribed drops ease this quickly.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort for one to three days before their eyes feel comfortable and vision improves.
Risks and Safety of Pterygium Surgery
Every surgery involves some risk, but serious complications rarely occur after pterygium surgery. You may experience temporary irritation, redness, or mild swelling while your eye heals. These side effects usually settle quickly.
Less common risks include:
- The pterygium returns, though advanced autograft techniques greatly reduce this risk
- Infection or scarring are both uncommon with proper post-surgery care
At Murdoch Eye Centre, Dr Phil McGeorge applies refined microsurgical techniques and advanced grafting methods to deliver precise, comfortable, and lasting results. His extensive experience in pterygium treatment in Perth gives patients confidence in their care.
Why Choose Murdoch Eye Centre for Pterygium Surgery in Perth
Dr Phil McGeorge brings over 25 years of experience as an ophthalmic surgeon and leads innovation in pterygium treatment in Perth. He pioneered Western Australia’s first LASIK and wavefront-guided laser surgeries and continues to advance modern eye surgery techniques across Australia.
At Murdoch Eye Centre, our team:
- Delivers expert care, tailoring every procedure to your eye health and comfort
- Uses advanced technology such as the conjunctival autograft technique to minimise recurrence and support smooth healing
- Provides comprehensive follow-up, guiding you from consultation through recovery
- Operates from two convenient locations in Murdoch and Subiaco for accessible, high-quality care
Our compassionate team keeps you informed, comfortable, and confident throughout your treatment journey.
Choose a Clearer, More Comfortable Future
Pterygium surgery is a safe, effective, and virtually painless procedure that restores comfort and vision while improving eye appearance. Any mild discomfort after surgery is temporary, and the results are long-lasting.
If you’re experiencing irritation, redness, or vision problems caused by a pterygium, it’s time to take the next step. Book an appointment with Dr Phil McGeorge at Murdoch Eye Centre to discuss your treatment options with experts dedicated to keeping your eyes healthy for years to come.
