Like all surgical procedures, pterygium surgery carries potential risks. Most complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed with careful technique, but knowing what to watch for helps you respond quickly if something unexpected occurs.
Normal Healing Versus Signs of Infection
Redness, mild watering, and some blurriness are all expected in the early weeks after surgery. Mild crusting along the lashes in the morning is also normal. However, certain changes suggest that something more serious may be occurring and should not be ignored.
- Increasing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
- Thick yellow or green discharge from the eye
- A sudden decrease in vision or the appearance of new flashes or floaters
- Severe swelling of the eyelid or the area around the eye
Recognizing Early Pterygium Regrowth
Even with modern surgical techniques, a pterygium can return in some patients. The recurrence rate is generally lower when a conjunctival autograft is used, but factors such as ongoing UV exposure, dry climates, and outdoor work can increase the risk. We monitor for regrowth at every follow-up visit, and we encourage you to be aware of early signs as well.
New redness, a small fleshy bump appearing at the original site, or a return of the gritty and irritated sensation may signal that tissue is beginning to grow back. If you notice any of these changes between visits, schedule an appointment so we can evaluate the area and discuss next steps before the growth progresses.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Certain symptoms after pterygium surgery require urgent evaluation and should not be managed with a wait-and-see approach. If you develop sudden severe eye pain, a dramatic increase in redness, or any unexplained vision loss, contact our office right away. If we cannot be reached promptly, go to an emergency room.
You should also seek immediate care for significant bleeding at the surgical site, a persistent headache accompanied by eye pain, or any signs of an allergic reaction to your medications such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.
Graft Displacement and Other Surgical Risks
Displacement of the conjunctival graft is one of the more common surgical complications. It most often occurs when the eye is rubbed or bumped during the early healing period. If the graft shifts position, you may notice increased redness, a visible gap in the tissue, or a change in how the surgical site appears. Contacting us quickly gives us the best chance of repositioning the graft successfully.
Other potential complications include formation of a pyogenic granuloma (a small raised red bump on the healing tissue), a conjunctival inclusion cyst, persistent inflammation, delayed corneal healing, dellen (a small area of localized corneal thinning near elevated tissue), elevated intraocular pressure from steroid drops, corneal scarring, persistent dry eye, and in rare cases, double vision from involvement of nearby eye muscles. We discuss all relevant risks with you before surgery and remain available to address any concerns throughout your recovery.
