In Malibu, sun, wind, sand, and saltwater are part of daily life, and so is pterygium. Sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” a pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that spreads from the white of the eye onto the cornea. Most are benign. A new review in the European Journal of Ophthalmology asks an important question: how often does a growth that looks like a pterygium turn out to be something else?
What the researchers studied
The authors pooled 21 cross-sectional studies covering 23,165 surgically removed specimens from 22,921 patients, all diagnosed clinically as pterygium before surgery. They then looked at what the pathology lab found when the tissue was examined under a microscope.
What they found
- Across studies, about 3.8% of specimens had a diagnosis other than pterygium.
- About 3.7% showed co-existing ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), an abnormal growth of the eye’s surface cells that can look similar to a pterygium.
- OSSN was more common in countries where most people have medium skin pigmentation (10.25%) than in populations described as white (2.45%) or brown (3.1%).
- Rates were also higher at higher altitudes.
Based on these findings, the authors concluded that pathological assessment of removed pterygium tissue may be considered.
What this means for you
For most people, a pterygium is exactly what it looks like. But because a small share of these growths hide a different diagnosis, it is reasonable to ask your surgeon whether the removed tissue will be sent to a pathology lab. Growths that change quickly, bleed, look unusual, or come back after removal deserve particular attention.
Protecting your eyes on the coast
- Wear wraparound sunglasses that block UV whenever you are outdoors, including on cloudy days.
- Add a wide-brimmed hat or a cap for long days at the beach or on the trail.
- Consider protective eyewear for water sports, where reflected glare and wind add up.
- Use lubricating drops when your eyes feel dry or gritty after wind and sun.
- Get a growth on the eye’s surface examined, especially if it is enlarging or affecting your vision.
Our role
Khanna Vision Institute evaluates and surgically treats pterygium for patients from Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and the Conejo Valley at our Beverly Hills and Westlake Village offices. If an exam suggests a surface tumor or another unusual growth, we refer patients to the appropriate ocular surface or oncology specialist.
Wind, smoke, and dry air are a fact of life inland too; Agoura Hills Lasik covers how environmental exposures affect the eyes.
Source: Prevalence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in clinically diagnosed pterygium specimens: A systematic review and meta-analysis (European Journal of Ophthalmology, 10/09/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.