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Pterygium & Pinguecula Treatment2023-05-16T03:03:12+00:00

Restore bright and healthy eyes with pterygium & pinguecula treatment in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay or Wellington

This safe and effective treatment can soothe irritation and remove these potentially sight-threatening growths

Restore bright and healthy eyes with pterygium & pinguecula treatment in Auckland or Hawke’s Bay

This safe and effective treatment can soothe irritation and remove these potentially sight-threatening growths

Soothe red and irritable eyes with our straightforward treatments

Discover how medication and surgery can free you from this unsightly and uncomfortable condition

Your suitability for pterygium and pinguecula treatment will depend on your condition’s severity. We will establish at your initial appointment.

Eye drops

You can treat the irritation and redness caused by a pterygium or pinguecula with simple eye drops, such as Systane Plus or Blink lubricants.

If you suffer from inflammation, a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops (e.g. Acular, Voltaren Ophtha) may help.

Steroid eye drops can also be used in some cases, but only under the close supervision of your ophthalmologist, as they may have side effects.

Surgery

In more serious cases, we recommend surgery to remove your pterygium.

The surgery takes just 30 to 40 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic.

Your surgeon will carefully remove the pterygium from your eye, and cover the area with a small graft of your own healthy conjunctiva. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during surgery, though your eye will feel scratchy for a few days afterwards, and will be red for a couple of weeks. You’ll need to use eye drops for about a month, and any stitches used will dissolve naturally. Natural tissue glue is often used now instead of stitches to aid healing and comfort. You can discuss this with your surgeon.

A pinguecula will not grow across your cornea in the same way that a pterygium can. Therefore, we seldom use surgery to remove a pinguecula. However, suppose the pinguecula becomes a pterygium, or grows very large and does not respond to eye drops. In that case, a simple surgical procedure can be used to remove it.

Advantages
  • Improved appearance of the eye.
  • Better lubrication of the ocular surface if the pterygium or pinguecula stops tears from spreading across the cornea adequately.
Disadvantages
  • Possibility of pterygium growing back.
Risks include:
  • Recurrence of pterygium
  • Corneal scarring where the pterygium was removed
  • Infection or inflammation during healing
Treatment options
  • Eye drops
  • Surgery
Preventing a pterygium or pinguecula

As with most conditions, prevention is better than cure. You can help prevent pterygium and pinguecula from developing by wearing sunglasses and a hat outdoors. People who spend a lot of time on water or snow should be especially careful to protect their eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. Protecting your eyes against UV light can also limit the progression of growths after being diagnosed.

We perform pterygium surgery in our theatre.

Your surgeon will carefully remove the pterygium from your eye and cover the area with a small graft of your own healthy conjunctiva.

The surgery results are fantastic. Our experienced oculoplastic surgeon will remove the pterygium or pinguecula. This will relieve you of any discomfort and give you a cosmetically pleasing result.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

1. Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

2. We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

3. Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

We are proud to be associated with top quality private medical insurers

Give us a call to understand how your insurance can help cover your treatment

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Meet our world-class surgeons

Our industry-leading experts are here to guide you every step of the way

Dr Nick Mantell

Dr Nick Mantell is a Refractive laser, Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Specialist. He has been working in private practice for 20 years.

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Dr Peter Ring

With four decades at the forefront of eye surgery in New Zealand, Dr Ring was an early exponent of modern multi-focal technology. He was also part of the esteemed small team that introduced laser surgery to the country.

LEARN MORE

Dr Shanu Subbiah

A cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist Dr Subbiah has been with Eye institute since 2013. His easy manner and affable nature have found a natural home in New Zealand medicine.

LEARN MORE

Dr Adam Watson

Dr Watson’s focus – pun intended – is the front of the eye. His combination of specialisations enables him to address the face, eyelids, tear drainage system, the surface of the eye and cornea together as a single functional unit to give the best possible outcome.

LEARN MORE

Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer

Professor Danesh-Meyer is an international authority on glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology and one of the most highly regarded experts in her field.

LEARN MORE

Prof Charles McGhee

Professor Charles McGhee, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for 25 years, specialises in corneal diseases and cataract surgery.

LEARN MORE

Dr William Cunningham

Will is an acknowledged expert in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. He splits his time between the Eye Institute and works publicly at the Greenlane Clinical Centre.

LEARN MORE

Dr Sophie Hill

Dr Hill completed her MBBS at St Georges University of London in 2008, also obtaining an Intercalated BSc from King’s College University, London.

LEARN MORE

Dr Peter Hadden

Dr Hadden specialises in vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, including the treatment of intraocular tumours. He has been at Eye Institute for 17 years.

LEARN MORE

Dr Narme Deva

Dr Narme Deva is a key opinion leader for Medical retina and Uveitis in New Zealand and an expert cataract surgeon. She has a logical approach, an empathetic manner and a passion for the pursuit of excellence.

LEARN MORE

Dr Liz Insull

Dr Elizabeth Insull is a New Zealand and UK trained Oculoplastic and Ophthalmic surgeon based at Eye Institute Hawke’s Bay at Kaweka Hospital.

LEARN MORE

Dr Kaliopy Matheos

Dr Kaliopy Matheos is a New Zealand-trained Ophthalmologist specialising in Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto in Canada.

LEARN MORE

Dr Kevin Dunne

As part of his ophthalmology specialty training, Dr Dunne gained valuable experience in major centres such as Auckland and Wellington.

LEARN MORE

Dr Jay Meyer

Dr. Jay Meyer is a specialist eye surgeon with expertise in cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases and surgeries. He has a gentle demeanour and provides personalised care by tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs.

LEARN MORE

Dr Graham Reeves

Dr Reeves has advanced training in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. He offers a variety of laser and surgical treatments including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

LEARN MORE

Dr Baswati Sahoo

Dr Baswati Sahoo is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon from India with over 15 years of experience in Ophthalmology.

LEARN MORE

Dr Shira Sheen

Shira completed Ophthalmology training in Israel, under the supervision of world known Ophthalmologist, Professor Ehud Assia.

LEARN MORE

Dr Ammar Binsadiq

Dr Ammar Binsadiq is a New Zealand-trained ophthalmologist with subspeciality training in medical retinal, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.

LEARN MORE

Dr Narme Deva

Dr Narme Deva is a key opinion leader for Medical retina and Uveitis in New Zealand and an expert cataract surgeon. She has a logical approach, an empathetic manner and a passion for the pursuit of excellence.
LEARN MORE

Dr Peter Ring

With four decades at the forefront of eye surgery in New Zealand, Dr Ring was an early exponent of modern multi-focal technology. He was also part of the esteemed small team that introduced laser surgery to the country.
LEARN MORE

Dr Shanu Subbiah

A cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist Dr Subbiah has been with Eye institute since 2013. His easy manner and affable nature have found a natural home in New Zealand medicine.
LEARN MORE

Dr Adam Watson

Dr Watson’s focus – pun intended – is the front of the eye. His combination of specialisations enables him to address the face, eyelids, tear drainage system, the surface of the eye and cornea together as a single functional unit to give the best possible outcome.
LEARN MORE

Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer

Professor Danesh-Meyer is an international authority on glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology and one of the most highly regarded experts in her field.
LEARN MORE

Prof Charles McGhee

Professor Charles McGhee, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for 25 years, specialises in corneal diseases and cataract surgery.
LEARN MORE

Dr William Cunningham

Will is an acknowledged expert in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. He splits his time between the Eye Institute and works publicly at the Greenlane Clinical Centre.
LEARN MORE

Dr Peter Hadden

Dr Hadden specialises in vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, including the treatment of intraocular tumours. He has been at Eye Institute for 17 years
LEARN MORE

Dr Liz Insull

Dr Elizabeth Insull is a New Zealand and UK trained Oculoplastic and Ophthalmic surgeon based at Eye Institute Hawke’s Bay at Kaweka Hospital.
LEARN MORE

Dr Kaliopy Matheos

Dr Kaliopy Matheos is a New Zealand-trained Ophthalmologist specialising in Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto in Canada.
LEARN MORE

Dr Jay Meyer

Dr. Jay J. Meyer is a specialist eye surgeon with expertise in cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases and surgeries. He has a gentle demeanour and provides personalised care by tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs.
LEARN MORE

Dr Graham Reeves

Dr Reeves has advanced training in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. He offers a variety of laser and surgical treatments including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
LEARN MORE

Dr Nick Mantell

Dr Nick Mantell is a Refractive laser, Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Specialist. He has been working in private practice for 20 years.
LEARN MORE

Dr Sophie Hill

Dr Hill completed her MBBS at St Georges University of London in 2008, also obtaining an Intercalated BSc from King’s College University, London..
LEARN MORE

Kevin Dunne

As part of his ophthalmology specialty training, Dr Dunne gained valuable experience in major centres such as Auckland and Wellington.
LEARN MORE

Dr Ammar Binsadiq

Dr Ammar Binsadiq is a New Zealand-trained ophthalmologist with subspeciality training in medical retinal, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.
LEARN MORE

Dr Baswati Sahoo

Dr Baswati Sahoo is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon from India with over 15 years of experience in Ophthalmology.
LEARN MORE

Dr Shira Sheen

Dr Shira Sheen completed Ophthalmology training in Israel, under the supervision of world known Ophthalmologist, Professor Ehud Assia.
LEARN MORE

Dr Edward Hutchins

Dr Edward Hutchins specialises in Cataract, Corneal, Medical Retina & Vitreoretinal surgery.
LEARN MORE

Additional resources on Pterygium & Pinguecula treatment

Learn more about treating Pterygium & Pinguecula from authoritative sources.

Pterygium surgery is a procedure performed to remove noncancerous conjunctiva growths (pterygia) from the eye.

The conjunctiva is the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Some cases of a pterygium produce little to no symptoms. Severe overgrowth of conjunctiva tissue can cover the cornea and interfere with your vision.

Click here to read more.

In many cases pinguecula and pterygium do not need to be treated. However, if your eyes are uncomfortable or your vision is affected, you may need treatment. Click here to read more.

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