Do You Have to Be a Surfer to Get Surfer’s Eye?

The short answer? No. You don’t have to be a surfer to develop surfer’s eye, also known as pterygium. While the name might suggest it only affects those who spend their days catching waves, this non-cancerous eye condition can impact anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Gardeners, construction workers, athletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts are all at risk, especially if frequently exposed to sunlight, wind, and dust.

What Is Surfer’s Eye (Pterygium)?

Pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of fleshy tissue that starts on the conjunctiva—the clear layer covering the white of your eye. It can extend onto the cornea (the eye’s outer surface), potentially causing discomfort, redness, blurred vision, and even astigmatism as it alters the cornea’s shape.

What Causes Pterygium?

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, experts believe prolonged exposure to UV light, dry or humid environments, wind, and airborne irritants play a major role.

Key risk factors include:

• Frequent outdoor activity without eye protection
• Living in sunny or high-UV regions (especially near the equator)
• Exposure to wind, dust, and dry conditions

Surprisingly, about 12% of the global population will develop pterygium at some point, proving it’s not just a condition for surfers or beachgoers.

Signs and Symptoms of Surfer’s Eye

Early symptoms can be subtle and often mistaken for dry eye syndrome. Watch for:

• Dry, gritty feeling in the eyes
• Persistent redness
• Blurry vision
• Stringy discharge
• Visible growth on the eye

If you experience these symptoms, an ophthalmologist can diagnose pterygium with a slit-lamp test.

Treatment Options for Pterygium

Most cases are mild and can be managed with simple treatments:

• Lubricating eye drops to relieve irritation
• Anti-inflammatory or steroid drops for severe inflammation

In more advanced cases, where the growth obstructs vision or causes significant astigmatism, surgical removal may be necessary. However, pterygium can sometimes grow back after surgery, making prevention key.

How to Prevent Surfer’s Eye

Protecting your eyes from environmental stressors can help reduce your risk:

• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
• Use artificial tears to keep eyes hydrated in dry or windy conditions
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from direct sunlight

Take Care of Your Eye Health

Pterygium isn’t limited to surfers—it can affect anyone who spends time outdoors. If you notice irritation, redness, or a growth on your eye, don’t wait to seek care.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with EyeCare Optical – Sevierville (Dolly Parton Pkwy) today. Call (865) 584-0905 to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.