Pterygium Surgery FAQ | Dr Rylan Hayes – Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologist

Question 1

What exactly is a pterygium?

Accepted Answer

A pterygium is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fibrovascular tissue that originates from the conjunctiva and extends onto the cornea. Despite being called surfer's eye, pterygiums affect anyone with cumulative UV, wind, and dust exposure. Queenslanders are among the highest-risk populations in the world.

Question 2

Is a pterygium dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A pterygium is not cancerous, but left untreated it can distort the corneal surface causing irregular astigmatism and blurred vision, encroach on the visual axis directly blocking vision, cause chronic dryness and irritation, restrict eye movement in advanced cases, and interfere with contact lens wear and refractive surgery planning.

Question 3

Can I prevent a pterygium from growing with eye drops?

Accepted Answer

Eye drops can reduce symptoms associated with a pterygium but do not stop or slow its growth. Surgery is the only way to definitively remove the growth. UV-protective wraparound sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are the most effective non-surgical measure to slow pterygium progression.

Question 4

How do I know when my pterygium needs to be removed?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is generally recommended when the pterygium causes significant persistent symptoms not controlled by lubricants, is visually significant or approaching the visual axis, is inducing corneal astigmatism affecting best-corrected vision, is cosmetically distressing, or when laser vision correction or other ocular surgery is being planned.

Question 5

Is pterygium surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

The surgery itself is not painful. The eye is completely anaesthetised with local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation is used to keep you relaxed. In the 24–48 hours following surgery some mild discomfort is expected — typically a gritty or scratchy sensation — which is well managed with lubricant drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and oral analgesia if needed.

Question 6

How long does pterygium surgery take?

Accepted Answer

The surgical procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes. You should plan to be at the day surgery facility for approximately 2.5–3 hours in total, accounting for pre-operative preparation, the surgery, and post-operative monitoring before discharge.

Question 7

What does no-stitch pterygium surgery mean?

Accepted Answer

In conventional pterygium surgery the conjunctival autograft is secured using fine nylon sutures. In Dr Hayes's Signature No-Stitch technique the graft is secured instead using fibrin tissue glue — a biological adhesive derived from blood-clotting proteins. No sutures are placed and none need to be removed, resulting in less inflammation, faster healing, better comfort, and a superior cosmetic outcome.

Question 8

Is fibrin glue as secure as sutures?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The fibrin glue holds the graft securely during the critical early healing period after which the graft adheres via natural biological adhesion. Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that fibrin glue autograft fixation produces equivalent or superior graft stability compared to sutures, with the added benefits of reduced inflammation, faster healing, and better patient comfort.

Question 9

What is the recurrence rate with Dr Hayes's technique?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctival autograft with fibrin glue, performed by an experienced surgeon, carries a recurrence rate below 5% in published peer-reviewed literature, compared to recurrence rates as high as 70–80% with simple excision alone. Outcomes vary with individual patient factors including age, UV exposure history, pterygium size, and whether this is a primary or recurrent pterygium.

Question 10

When can I return to work after pterygium surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to desk-based or sedentary work within 3–5 days of surgery. For work involving physical labour, dust or wind exposure, a longer absence of 1–2 weeks is recommended.

Question 11

When can I swim after pterygium surgery?

Accepted Answer

Swimming in pools, the ocean, or any body of water should be avoided for a minimum of four weeks following surgery to prevent infection and graft disruption.

Question 12

How long will my eye be red after pterygium surgery?

Accepted Answer

Redness is expected and normal as part of the healing process. The eye is typically red and inflamed in the first 1–2 weeks. By weeks 3–4 redness begins to noticeably improve. The final cosmetic result is typically achieved between 6 weeks and 3 months post-operatively.

Question 13

Is pterygium surgery covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Pterygium surgery is a Medicare-rebatable procedure when performed for clinical indications. The surgery attracts a Medicare benefit for both the surgical fee and the anaesthetic. Private health insurance typically also contributes toward hospital and theatre fees. An out-of-pocket gap will apply in most cases and will be provided to you in full in writing prior to scheduling surgery.

Question 14

Do I need a referral to see Dr Hayes?

Accepted Answer

A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to access Medicare rebates for your specialist consultation. Referrals from optometrists are accepted and are often the most direct pathway. GP referrals are equally welcome.

Question 15

What are Dr Hayes's qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Dr Rylan Hayes holds MBBS and FRANZCO — Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Refractive, Cornea and Lens Surgery from Universidad Miguel Hernández. He holds a specialist appointment at Mater Hospital Brisbane and a lectureship at the University of Queensland, and is the founder and principal surgeon of The Vision Surgeon in Maroochydore.

We believe in bespoke patient care with a focus on aesthetics and outcomes

Meet Dr Rylan Hayes

- The Vision Surgeon

A specialist dedicated to one of ophthalmology's most under appreciated problems

Highly Qualified, Australian Trained Ophthalmologist

SURGICAL PHILOSOPHY

Three principles that guide every procedure

The Vision Surgeon