Pterygium Surgery. Cleaner cornea, lower recurrence.
Pterygium is a wing-shaped growth on the eye's surface - common after years of UV exposure. We remove it with a conjunctival autograft technique that gives the cleanest cosmetic result and the lowest recurrence rate available.
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Lifetime follow-up
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing
- 30 minOutpatient procedure
- AutograftLowest recurrence technique
- 1-2 weeksVisual recovery
- BothCosmetic + functional
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, DO, MGM · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
A precise outpatient procedure that protects future vision.
Pterygium, sometimes called surfer's eye, is a fleshy growth that develops on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea. Without treatment, it can blur vision, cause chronic irritation, and induce astigmatism.
We use a conjunctival autograft technique: after removing the pterygium, we transplant a small piece of healthy tissue from beneath the eyelid to cover the area. The result is dramatically lower recurrence than older bare-sclera techniques, and a much cleaner cosmetic outcome.
- Conjunctival autograft, lowest recurrence
- Cosmetic and functional in one procedure
- Removes pterygium-induced astigmatism
- UV protection plan included after surgery
How Pterygium Surgery works.
- 01Step 01
Numb and prepare the eye
OutpatientPterygium surgery is a comfortable outpatient procedure. The eye is numbed with local anesthetic and mild sedation keeps you relaxed. Your surgeon examines the extent of the growth across the conjunctiva and cornea to plan a clean, complete removal.
- 02Step 02
Remove the pterygium
Cornea clearedThe wing-shaped growth is carefully dissected away from the surface of the eye, lifting it cleanly off the cornea and conjunctiva. Removing it relieves chronic irritation and often eliminates the irregular astigmatism the pterygium was inducing.
- 03Step 03
Place a conjunctival autograft
Lowest recurrenceRather than leaving bare sclera exposed - the older approach that frequently let the pterygium grow back - we transplant a small piece of your own healthy conjunctival tissue from beneath the upper eyelid to cover the area. This autograft technique gives the lowest recurrence rate and the cleanest cosmetic result.
- 04Step 04
Secure the graft and heal
1-2 weeksThe graft is secured with tissue adhesive or fine dissolvable sutures and begins integrating immediately. Most patients return to office work within a few days, with full surface healing over 2-4 weeks - followed by a UV-protection plan to guard against recurrence.
The reasons that actually matter.
Autograft technique
The technique with the lowest recurrence rates in modern pterygium surgery, far better than bare-sclera approaches of the past.
Cosmetic and functional
The autograft restores a clean, white sclera and improves visual quality at the same time. One procedure, both outcomes.
Reduces astigmatism
Removing pterygium often eliminates the irregular astigmatism it caused, improving sharpness even in milder cases.
Fast functional recovery
Most patients return to office work within a few days; full surface healing takes 2-4 weeks.
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Lifetime follow-up
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing
Who this is- and isn't - for.
We don't push the envelope of safety to make you fit a procedure. If you aren't a great candidate, we'll tell you - and recommend the option that is.
You may be a great fit if any of these sound familiar.
- Visible cosmetic concern
- Causing astigmatism / blur
- Chronic irritation or redness
- Growing onto the visual axis
- Medical management didn't help
We may recommend something else if…
- Small, asymptomatic pterygium
- Active conjunctivitis / infection
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
None of these are deal-breakers, they're reasons to look at the alternatives. We'll tell you straight at consultation.
Your journey to visual freedom.
- Step 0160 min
Evaluation
Complete exam to determine the size, location, and visual impact of the pterygium. We document baseline measurements and discuss surgical timing.
- Step 0230 min
Pre-op planning
Diagnostic imaging maps the lesion and any astigmatism it's induced. We plan the autograft based on local tissue health.
- Step 0330 min
Surgery day
Outpatient under local anesthesia, typically 30 minutes. We remove the pterygium and cover the area with a healthy piece of conjunctival tissue from your own eye.
- Step 041-2 weeks + lifetime
Recovery
Light activities for 1-2 weeks. Vision improves daily as the surface heals. Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
Clear costs. Real options.
Most patients structure payment through FSA / HSA, insurance, or 0% APR financing via CareCredit and Alphaeon. Our Affordability page walks through every option in plain English, no surprises.
Why we don't discount Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium surgery is usually insurance-covered when it's affecting vision or comfort. We verify your benefits, quote any out-of-pocket portion in writing, and don't pad the bill with optional add-ons.
What patients say
The questions we hear most.
Don't see your question? Call us at 214-972-2020 or book a free consultation.
Will my pterygium come back?
Recurrence is the main risk in pterygium surgery. Modern autograft technique has dramatically lowered the rate compared to older approaches, but UV protection after surgery is essential.Is the surgery painful?
Most patients describe mild discomfort and tearing for the first 2-3 days, well managed with prescribed drops. Pain decreases significantly after the first week.Can I have LASIK after pterygium surgery?
Often, yes, once the surface has fully stabilized (typically 6+ months) and we've documented healthy corneas.Is pterygium surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, when the pterygium is causing visual or symptomatic problems. We verify benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs in writing before surgery.How long until I can return to work?
Most office workers return within 2-3 days. Outdoor or dust-exposed work may require a longer break, we'll personalize the timeline.
Still have questions?
Talk to our team, no pressure, no sales pitch. We answer the question, not the upsell.
Not the right fit? Here's what else we offer.
Picking the right procedure is a diagnosis question, not a marketing one. If your eyes are better served by a different path, we'll tell you.
See what better vision looks like. At any stage of life.
Reaching for your glasses on the nightstand. Fighting contacts at the gym. Watching the menu blur at dinner. These aren't problems to live with anymore, and the only place to find out what's actually possible for your eyes is in the chair.
- 7,000+
- Surgeries by Dr. Shehz
- 2×
- Board-certified
- 1
- Surgeon. Every case.
- 5★
- Patient-rated on Google
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Lifetime follow-up
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing