Queensland's Dedicated Pterygium Centre

Specialising in advanced P.E.R.F.E.C.T. surgery and comprehensive pterygium care for Brisbane and regional Queensland patients.

What is Pterygium?

Pterygium — often called "surfer's eye" — is a benign tissue growth extending from the white of the eye onto the clear cornea. Remarkably common in Queensland, affecting approximately 10% of our population, it develops primarily from UV exposure during childhood.

While many pterygium remain small and stable, others progressively grow, causing irritation, redness, vision changes, and cosmetic concerns. Understanding your specific pterygium characteristics guides appropriate management.

For Patients

Understanding Your Pterygium

Comprehensive information to help you recognise symptoms, understand causes, and make informed treatment decisions.

What is Pterygium?

The condition explained

Symptoms

What you might experience

Causes & Prevention

UV exposure and protective strategies

Diagnosis

How pterygium is assessed

Treatment Options

Conservative care to advanced surgery

P.E.R.F.E.C.T. Surgery

The advanced technique explained

Recovery

What to expect after surgery

Costs

Understanding pterygium surgery investment

For Medical Professionals

Referring Patients for Pterygium Care

Streamlined referral pathways and specialist expertise for pterygium assessment and surgical management.

Resources:

Referral Guidelines

Clinical criteria and process

P.E.R.F.E.C.T. Technique Overview

Surgical approach and outcomes

Patient Information

Resources for your practice

Contact for Urgent Referrals

Direct access for time-sensitive cases

Advanced Pterygium Surgery

Dr Pappalardo is one of only four ophthalmologists in Australia trained directly with Professor Lawrence Hirst in the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. technique — Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplant.

Why P.E.R.F.E.C.T. Matters:

Recurrence rates below 1 in 1,000 (traditional surgery: 15-40%)
Excellent cosmetic outcomes
20+ years of published research validation
Queensland-developed, world-recognised technique

Recurrence rates below 1 in 1,000 (traditional surgery: 15-40%)

Excellent cosmetic outcomes

20+ years of published research validation

Queensland-developed, world-recognised technique

WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT

Recognition and Timing

Patients should seek assessment when experiencing:

Persistent eye redness or irritation
Visible pink/fleshy growth on the eye
Vision changes or blurriness
Gritty sensation or discomfort
Cosmetic concerns about eye appearance

GPs and optometrists should consider referral for:

Pterygium extending 2-3mm onto cornea
Progressive growth patterns
Vision compromise from corneal distortion
Failed conservative management
Patient cosmetic or functional concerns