Persistent eye irritation, redness, or a visible growth on your eye can affect your long-term vision health. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser provide advanced, compassionate care using state-of-the-art techniques to safely remove pterygium in Upland and restore your eye’s natural clarity, helping you see and feel your best again.
What is Pterygium?
Pterygium, often called “surfer’s eye,” is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of your eye. Over time, it can extend onto the cornea, the transparent front surface, leading to redness, irritation, and blurred vision. At Eye MDs of Inland, Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser provide thorough evaluations to determine the best treatments and preserve your comfort and long-term visual health.
Signs & Symptoms of Pterygium
- Redness or inflammation on the white of the eye
- A visible, flesh-colored growth near the corner of the eye
- Persistent irritation, burning, or a gritty sensation
- Dryness or excessive tearing
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Blurred or distorted vision if the growth extends onto the cornea
- Cosmetic concerns due to visible redness or tissue growth
Examples of Dr. Shomer's Pterygium Surgeries Before and After, Utilizing Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Technique
How is Pterygium Treated?
Treatment for pterygium in Upland depends on its size, symptoms, and effect on your vision. In the early stages, Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser may recommend lubricating or anti-inflammatory eye drops to ease redness and irritation. If the pterygium growth becomes larger, causes discomfort, or begins affecting your vision, they can perform advanced sutureless amniotic membrane surgery to safely remove it and promote rapid, comfortable healing.
At Eye MDs of Inland, a single-site, physician-owned ophthalmology practice, your care is always personal. Dr. Shomer and Dr. Gunzenhauser take the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring you fully understand your condition and treatments. Their compassionate and detail-oriented approach ensures you feel confident and cared for from start to finish, restoring not only the health and appearance of your eyes but also your everyday comfort and clarity.
What Causes Pterygium?
The surface of your eye is protected by the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that helps keep the surface of the eye moist and free of debris. When this delicate tissue is repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, dust, wind, or dry environments, it can become damaged, triggering abnormal tissue growth known as a pterygium.
While anyone can develop this condition, certain factors make it more likely:
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight
- Dry, windy, or dusty environments
- Chronic eye irritation or inflammation
- Living or working outdoors
- Limited use of sunglasses or UV-protective eyewear
- Genetic predisposition or family history of pterygium
- Outdoor occupations or activities, such as farming, construction, or surfing
Restore Clarity and Comfort to Your Vision
Eye MDs of Inland is led by Dr. Marc Shomer and Dr. Robert Gunzenhauser, board-certified ophthalmologists trained at the renowned Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. Their expertise in microsurgical techniques, including sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation, enables them to achieve exceptional precision when treating conditions like pterygium. Schedule your consultation for Pterygium in Upland, CA, to discuss your treatments and experience clearer, more comfortable vision with specialists who treat you like family.
