Does Pterygium Need SMILE Eye Surgery? Understanding When SMILE Is the Right Option
Pterygium is a common eye condition that creates a fleshy, triangular-shaped growth on the white part of the eye. It can cause irritation, redness, and even vision problems when it grows toward the cornea. Many patients wonder whether SMILE eye surgery can treat pterygium or if the condition requires a different approach.
What Is Pterygium
Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth caused by long-term exposure to sun, wind, dust, or dry conditions. It is sometimes called surfer’s eye because it is common among people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Although not dangerous, it can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
Symptoms of Pterygium
Redness
Irritation
Dryness
A gritty feeling
Blurry vision
Visible tissue growth toward the cornea
If the growth becomes large, it may distort the cornea and affect vision.
Can SMILE Surgery Treat Pterygium
No. SMILE eye surgery cannot remove pterygium. SMILE corrects refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism. Pterygium is a tissue growth that must be removed surgically through a different procedure called pterygium excision.
When Pterygium Surgery Is Needed
The growth is progressing toward the cornea
Vision becomes blurry
It causes chronic irritation
Cosmetic concerns affect confidence
Glasses or contact lenses become uncomfortable
Pterygium excision is a safe and effective treatment.
How Pterygium Affects Vision
If the growth reaches the cornea, it can change its shape and cause astigmatism, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term issues.
Can SMILE or LASIK Be Done After Pterygium Removal
Yes, but only after proper healing. Once the eye heals and the cornea stabilizes, patients may undergo SMILE or LASIK to correct residual refractive errors. A full evaluation is needed to check corneal shape, thickness, and overall eye health.
The Treatment Process
Pterygium excision is performed with numbing drops. The growth is removed, and a graft is placed to reduce the chance of recurrence. Patients return home the same day. Recovery includes eye drops and follow-up visits.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients recover within days to weeks. Redness may take longer to fade completely. After healing, the doctor evaluates whether a vision correction procedure is safe and suitable.
A Patient Experience
A patient who loved outdoor sports struggled with dryness and blurry vision from a growing pterygium. After excision surgery, his eye healed well. A few months later, he underwent SMILE to correct his myopia. He experienced clearer vision and better comfort during outdoor activities.
Why Eye Protection Matters
Wearing sunglasses, using artificial tears, and avoiding excessive sun exposure can reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.
Why Choose Khanna Vision Institute
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FAQs
No, pterygium must be removed through a different surgery.
Sun exposure, wind, dust, and dry environments.
No, but it can affect vision if it grows.
Yes, it can distort the cornea.
Through pterygium excision with grafting.
Numbing drops make it comfortable.
Yes, once the eye has healed and the cornea is stable.
Several weeks for full stabilization.
Yes, but surgery with a graft reduces recurrence.
Expert care, modern technology, and personalized treatment.
Understanding the difference between pterygium treatment and vision correction procedures helps patients choose the safest and most effective path to clearer vision.