Pterygium surgery can be associated with some possible risks, as with any other surgical procedure.
During your consultation, you will be informed of the potential risks of pterygium surgery, which will allow you to make an informed decision before undergoing the procedure.
While each patient’s personal risk level can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual health factors, choosing a highly skilled ophthalmologist to perform the procedure can minimise risks.
After pterygium surgery, you will also need to follow some aftercare instructions that will help to minimise risks further. You can read more about these aftercare steps on our pterygium surgery recovery page.
Possible pterygium surgery risks
- Reoccurrence of pterygium
A common concern of pterygium surgery is that the growth could potentially return, however, this risk is greatly minimised by using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T method. In the case that the pterygium does return, another surgery could be required. - Temporary or long-term redness, irritation or dryness
After surgery, the affected eye can feel uncomfortable and become prone to dryness. While these side effects are typically temporary and often subside after surgery, there is a risk that the symptoms could persist in the longer-term and require ongoing management. - Delayed healing
There is a possibility of delayed healing after any surgery, where the tissue in the area may take longer to fully heal. Delayed healing can prolong symptoms such as redness, irritation and general discomfort. Healing may be delayed if the patient has pre-existing conditions, such as dry eye, or a compromised immune system. Delayed healing may be managed with treatments like lubricating eye drops or additional medications. - Infection
Infection is another possible risk of any surgery with incisions, although it is relatively rare for pterygium surgery. While care can be taken to minimise the risk of infection, it can still occur. Symptoms like increased pain, swelling, or discharge from the eye can indicate that an infection is developing. It’s important to promptly seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. - Scarring
As with infection, procedures that involve incisions can be associated with scarring. Scarring is often a natural part of the body’s healing process as the affected tissue heals the wound. However, scarring can depend on the patient’s individual healing response and how well aftercare advice is followed. - Reaction to anaesthesia
Any surgical procedure that uses anaesthesia, whether local or general anaesthesia, can carry the risk of anaesthesia reactions. However, local anaesthesia is typically associated with lower risks. - Damage to the cornea or surrounding structures
In much rarer cases, more serious complications can occur. These can include damage to the cornea or surrounding structures, which may result in permanent vision changes in severe cases.
How pterygium surgery risks can be minimised
Surgeons should aim to minimise the risks of any surgical procedure where possible.
Pterygium surgery risks can be minimised by correctly assessing the patient’s suitability for the procedure, implementing effective techniques, and following aftercare advice.
The P.E.R.F.E.C.T method effectively minimises certain risks of the procedure, such as reoccurrence and inflammation. Choosing an ophthalmologist who has been trained to perform the technique, such as Dr Pappalardo, can help minimise risks.
Dr Pappalardo is one of the few ophthalmologists who trained with Professor Lawrence Hirst, the pioneer of the P.E.R.F.E.C.T technique.