The informal name “Surfer’s Eye” refers to pterygium, a common non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye. This abnormal patch of tissue begins on the white part of the eye and may slowly extend toward the central clear part. The unusual nickname hints at the environmental conditions primarily responsible for triggering the condition’s development.
The Medical Terminology and Symptoms
The medical term is pterygium, derived from the Greek word for “wing” due to its characteristic triangular or wedge shape. Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth of the conjunctiva—the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye—that invades the adjacent clear cornea. It typically starts near the inner corner of the eye, closest to the nose, and appears pinkish or whitish with visible blood vessels.
While some growths remain small and cause no issues, others can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. Common complaints include a gritty or sandy sensation, often feeling like a foreign object is present in the eye. The pterygium can become inflamed, leading to chronic redness, burning, and irritation. If the tissue grows far enough to cover the central cornea, it can distort the eye’s surface, leading to blurred vision or induced astigmatism.
Environmental Factors Triggering Growth
The condition is strongly linked to chronic, cumulative exposure to harsh environmental elements. The primary factor in the development of pterygium is long-term exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV light causes damage to the delicate surface of the eye, triggering the abnormal tissue changes that result in the growth.
Other environmental irritants act as co-factors, accelerating damage and chronic irritation. These include constant exposure to wind, dry air, and abrasive airborne debris such as dust and sand. This mechanical irritation promotes the abnormal tissue growth process. This combination of UV damage and irritation explains why people living in hot, dry, and sunny climates are at the highest risk.
Origin of the “Surfer’s Eye” Moniker
The term “Surfer’s Eye” is a colloquial name that became popular because the condition is highly prevalent within the surfing community and other coastal populations. While many outdoor workers, such as farmers, fishermen, and construction workers, are also susceptible, surfers face a particularly intense combination of environmental threats. They are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods while waiting for waves.
The surface of the water reflects UV rays, increasing the intensity and amount of radiation that reaches the eye from below. This combined exposure creates a more damaging environment than direct exposure alone. Furthermore, surfers constantly contend with wind, saltwater spray, and sand, which provide the chronic mechanical irritation that exacerbates UV-induced damage.
Management and Protective Measures
Managing pterygium focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the growth from progressing further across the cornea. For mild cases causing irritation, non-surgical management involves the use of ocular lubricating drops to maintain moisture and ease the gritty sensation. When inflammation and redness are pronounced, a physician may prescribe a short course of topical corticosteroid drops to reduce swelling.
Surgical removal is reserved for cases where the growth threatens to impair vision, causes severe, unmanageable irritation, or is a cosmetic concern. The most effective preventative measure is diligent eye protection to minimize exposure to the primary triggers. This involves wearing wraparound style sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, shielding the eyes from all angles. Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps reduce the amount of direct and overhead UV exposure.