Pterygium
- UK-trained specialist with international fellowship experience
- Prize-winning internationally recognised consultant ophthalmologist
- Elite World College Refractive Surgery Fellow
- Boutique consultant-led service, not corporate volume
- Full spectrum vision correction procedures available
- Referred by fellow surgeons for complex laser surgery cases
What is a Pterygium?
A pterygium (pronounced “tuh-RIJ-ee-um”) is a benign, fleshy growth consisting of blood vessels and fibrous tissue that extends from the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of your eye) onto the clear cornea. The growth typically appears as a triangular, wing-shaped lesion.
Key Characteristics:
- Usually develops on the inner corner of the eye (nasal side)
- Ranges from small and barely noticeable to large and visually significant
- Often appears pinkish or flesh-coloured with visible blood vessels
- Can remain stable or grow progressively over time
- May occur in one or both eyes
Common Causes:
- Prolonged UV light exposure from sunlight
- Wind and environmental irritants
- Dry, hot climates
- Outdoor occupations or lifestyle (hence “surfer’s eye”)
- Dust and debris exposure
- Genetic predisposition
Symptoms of Pterygium
Watch for these key symptoms:
Visual Symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted vision if growth extends onto visual axis
- Induced astigmatism causing irregular vision
- Feeling that something is blocking your sight
Physical Discomfort:
- Red, irritated appearance of the eye
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Burning or itching
- Excessive tearing or dryness
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Cosmetic Concerns:
- Visible fleshy growth on the white of the eye
- Persistent redness and inflammation
- Self-consciousness about eye appearance
Early intervention is crucial – untreated pterygium can progressively grow across your cornea, potentially causing permanent vision changes. Schedule a consultation for expert evaluation.
Why Choose Surgery?
Pterygium surgery is recommended when the growth:
- Causes significant visual disturbance or astigmatism
- Creates persistent discomfort despite conservative treatment
- Advances progressively towards the pupil
- Results in cosmetic concerns affecting your confidence
- Interferes with contact lens wear
- Causes chronic redness and inflammation
Not all pterygiums require surgery. Small, stable growths can often be monitored with periodic check-ups and managed with lubricating eye drops and UV protection.
Benefits of Modern Pterygium Surgery
Restored Clear Vision: Remove the growth that’s blocking or distorting your vision, restoring clarity and comfort to your sight for improved quality of life.
Rapid Recovery: Most patients return to work within 2-3 days with our advanced no-stitch surgical technique and optimised healing protocols.
Industry-Leading Low Recurrence: Our advanced conjunctival autograft technique achieves industry-leading recurrence rates of less than 1% with proper post-operative care.
Virtually Painless: Local anaesthesia and modern surgical techniques ensure a comfortable, virtually painless procedure with reduced post-operative pain.
Excellent Cosmetic Results: Eliminate the red, irritated appearance of pterygium and restore the natural, healthy look of your eye for increased confidence.
No-Stitch Technique: We use the latest fibrin glue autograft method with no stitches required, ensuring optimal healing and superior cosmetic results.
Advanced Surgical Technique
Conjunctival Autograft with Fibrin Glue:
Mr Mukherjee uses the most advanced pterygium surgery technique available:
- Careful Pterygium Removal: The growth is meticulously excised from the cornea and conjunctiva, removing all abnormal tissue.
- Conjunctival Autograft: A small piece of healthy conjunctival tissue is taken from under your upper eyelid and used to cover the area where the pterygium was removed.
- Fibrin Glue Application: Instead of traditional stitches, biological fibrin glue secures the graft, resulting in:
- Significantly reduced post-operative discomfort
- Faster healing and recovery
- Better cosmetic outcomes
- Lower inflammation
- No suture-related complications
- Minimal Recurrence Risk: This technique achieves recurrence rates of less than 1%—significantly better than older surgical methods.
Why This Technique is Superior:
- No stitches means greater comfort
- Uses your own tissue (no rejection risk)
- Preserves healthy conjunctiva for any future eye surgery
- Industry-leading success rates
- Excellent cosmetic results
The Treatment Journey
A simple, straightforward process designed to get you back to clear, comfortable vision as quickly as possible with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Step 1: Initial Consultation Comprehensive eye examination and pterygium assessment with Mr Mukherjee to determine the best treatment approach for your specific condition. Detailed measurements and photography document the growth.
Step 2: Surgery Planning If surgery is recommended, we’ll schedule your procedure at a convenient time and provide comprehensive pre-operative instructions. We’ll answer all your questions and ensure you’re fully prepared.
Step 3: The Procedure Quick outpatient procedure (30-45 minutes) using local anaesthesia. Our advanced no-stitch technique ensures minimal discomfort and optimal healing. You’ll go home the same day.
Step 4: Recovery & Follow-up Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Most patients return to work within 2-3 days and resume all normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Day 1-3: Mild to moderate discomfort, significant redness. Vision may be slightly blurry. Use prescribed eye drops as directed. Most patients return to work by day 2-3.
Week 1: Discomfort subsides significantly. Redness remains but begins improving. Vision clears. Most normal activities can be resumed.
Weeks 2-4: Continued improvement in comfort and appearance. Redness gradually fades. Surface healing complete.
Weeks 4-8: Further cosmetic improvement. Eye appears much more normal. Most redness resolved.
3-6 Months: Final cosmetic result achieved. Minimal or no visible scarring. Complete tissue integration and healing.
Why Choose Mr Mukherjee for Pterygium Surgery?
Leading UK Specialist: Mr Mukherjee is one of the UK’s leading pterygium surgeons with specialised training in advanced corneal surgery. His expertise combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with a patient-centred approach to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Proven Excellence: With extensive experience in conjunctival autograft surgery and the latest fibrin glue techniques, Mr Mukherjee has achieved outstanding results whilst ensuring rapid recovery and excellent cosmetic outcomes for his patients.
Advanced Techniques: Access to the most modern surgical methods including no-stitch fibrin glue autografts—not available at all centres.
Comprehensive Care: From initial assessment through surgery and long-term follow-up, we provide continuity of care throughout your treatment journey.
Outstanding Results: Industry-leading recurrence rates of less than 1% with proper post-operative care and UV protection.
Preventing Pterygium and Recurrence
UV Protection (Essential):
- Wear quality wraparound sunglasses with 100% UV protection
- Choose lenses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- Protect eyes even on cloudy days
Environmental Protection:
- Use protective eyewear in dusty or windy conditions
- Wear safety glasses for outdoor work
- Limit exposure during peak sun hours
Eye Lubrication:
- Use artificial tears regularly, especially in dry conditions
- Maintain adequate hydration
- Use humidifiers in dry environments
Regular Monitoring:
- Annual eye examinations to detect early recurrence
- Prompt treatment of any redness or irritation
- Lifelong UV protection after surgery
Meet Mr. Mukherjee
MBChB(hons) FRCOphth CertLRS
Mr. Mukherjee is one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons, offering exceptional care in Colchester. His unique credentials include:
- Prize winning Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lead – Colchester Eye Centre, ESNEFT
- Specialist in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Elected Fellow World College Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) – Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Triple Post-CCT Fellowships:
- Cornea & External Disease –Cambridge University Hospital & University Hospital of Wales
- Glaucoma & Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – King’s College Hospital, London
- Laser eye Surgery & Keratoconus –Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Ready to transform your vision? Take the first step towards improving your sight with a comprehensive consultation with Mr. Mukherjee. Discover which procedure is right for you and start your journey to visual independence.