In cases where the pterygium is actively growing and causing symptoms, surgery may be performed.
A small incision is made in the conjunctiva (membrane covering the white of the eye) surrounding the pterygium. The pterygium will then be lifted upward clear of the cornea.
To reduce the risk of recurrence, a conjunctival autograft is performed. A conjunctival autograft is a relocation of a small portion of the conjunctiva (from under the upper eyelid) to the site of the excised pterygium. The healthy tissue decreases the risk of re-growth of any remaining sun-damaged cells in the affected part of the eye.