At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, Dr Chiu, Dr Plant, Dr Teong and Dr Givorshner perform sutureless pterygium surgery using modern tissue adhesive, providing faster and more comfortable recovery than traditional sutured methods.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is recommended when the pterygium is growing towards the centre of the cornea, is causing corneal distortion (astigmatism), causes persistent symptoms not manageable with drops, or is cosmetically bothersome.
The Procedure
Dr Chiu uses the sutureless (no-stitch) technique with conjunctival autograft, considered the gold standard:
- The pterygium tissue is carefully removed from the cornea
- A small graft of healthy conjunctival tissue is taken from under the upper eyelid
- The graft is secured using tissue adhesive instead of stitches
In some cases, particularly recurrent pterygia, Mitomycin C (a topical anticancer medication) may be applied to reduce regrowth risk.
Recovery
The eye will be red and irritated for a few weeks as the graft heals. Most people return to normal activities within a few days. Long-term UV protection with wrap-around sunglasses is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pterygium grow back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible but uncommon with the autograft and tissue adhesive technique, which has the lowest reported recurrence rate.
Will surgery improve my vision?
If the pterygium was causing corneal distortion, removal can improve vision. If it hadn’t yet affected the cornea, the benefit is preventing future problems.
Should I wait until a pterygium blocks my vision before having it removed ?
No, it’s generally not advisable to wait until a pterygium blocks your vision. As it grows, it can induce astigmatism and, over time, may lead to more significant surface changes. Larger or more advanced pterygia are also more complex to remove and may increase the risk of scarring affecting the visual axis.
Early assessment allows treatment to be timed appropriately, often leading to a simpler procedure and better visual outcomes.
Does Dr Chiu perform “P.E.R.F.E.C.T.” pterygium surgery?
Dr Chiu performs pterygium surgery using techniques designed to minimise the risk of recurrence. While “P.E.R.F.E.C.T.” is one described approach, there are several effective surgical methods. The most appropriate technique is selected based on the individual eye to achieve the best and safest outcome.
Why have I been recommended pterygium surgery if it hasn’t changed?
Even if a pterygium appears stable, there are several reasons why surgery may still be recommended. It can affect vision in more subtle ways, such as distorting the cornea (causing astigmatism), affecting the tear film, or showing features that suggest it may become more aggressive over time.
In addition, if you are planning cataract or other refractive surgery, removing the pterygium first is often advised. This helps ensure more accurate measurements and reduces the risk of your vision changing after surgery due to the pterygium.