Surfer’s eye, or pterygium, is a common condition that affects people who spend lots of time outdoors, especially surfers and water sports enthusiasts. It’s a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye that develops gradually from the corner toward the center, often causing irritation and affecting vision. While generally harmless, understanding what causes a surfer’s eye and how to prevent it is important for anyone who loves catching waves or spending time in sunny conditions.
What causes surfer’s eye?
Photo courtesy of Community Eye Health
The growth usually develops slowly over months or years, and while it may look concerning, it’s benign. Larger growths, however, can cause discomfort and potentially affect vision if they grow across the cornea. Some people develop pterygium in both eyes, though it’s common to have it in just one eye.
The exact cause of surfer’s eye isn’t fully understood, but several environmental factors play a significant role in its development:
- Prolonged UV exposure from sunlight
- Wind exposure
- Salt water exposure
- Sand and dust particles
- Dry eye conditions
These factors explain why the condition is particularly common among surfers, who regularly experience all these environmental elements during their time in the water. However, other outdoor enthusiasts like skiers, cyclists, and farmers also show higher rates of pterygium development.
The condition appears more frequently in areas closer to the equator, where UV exposure is more intense. This geographical correlation strongly supports the link between UV radiation and pterygium formation. People who live in tropical and subtropical regions face a higher risk of developing surfer’s eye.
Recognizing the symptoms
Spotting the signs early can help you manage surfer’s eye effectively and prevent it from progressing to more advanced stages that may affect your vision.
Early signs and symptoms:
- A small pink or reddish growth on the eye
- Mild irritation or feeling like something is in your eye
- Minor inflammation
- Occasional burning sensation
- Itchiness
Advanced symptoms:
- Growth becoming more noticeable and raised
- Persistent irritation
- Blurred vision if the growth extends to the cornea
- Astigmatism due to corneal changes
- Eye redness and inflammation
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Many people first notice surfer’s eye when they see a small bump on their eye or experience mild irritation. The condition can remain stable for years, but environmental triggers may cause it to become inflamed and grow larger over time.
Treatment options for surfer’s eye
There are plenty of treatment options available, depending on the level of surfer’s eye.
Conservative management
For mild cases of surfer’s eye, treatment typically focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing progression. Eye doctors often recommend artificial tears to keep the eye lubricated and comfortable. When the pterygium becomes inflamed, topical steroid drops might be prescribed for short-term use to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Surgical intervention
If the pterygium grows large enough to threaten vision or causes persistent discomfort, surgical removal might be necessary. Modern surgical techniques have improved significantly, reducing recurrence rates. The most successful procedures include:
Conjunctival autografting
This technique involves removing the pterygium and replacing the affected area with healthy tissue taken from under the upper eyelid. This method shows lower recurrence rates compared to traditional removal.
Amniotic membrane grafting
Some surgeons use processed amniotic membrane as a graft material, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing while decreasing the chance of regrowth.
Prevention strategies
Taking proactive steps to protect your eyes is essential for preventing surfer’s eye, especially if you spend considerable time outdoors or in the water.
Essential protective measures:
- Wearing high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses
- Using wraparound sunglasses for better side protection
- Wearing a hat with a wide brim
- Using surf-specific sunglasses or goggles when in the water
- Applying artificial tears in dry or windy conditions
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes when they’re irritated
Long-term prevention:
- Limiting exposure during peak UV hours
- Regular eye check-ups to monitor any changes
- Using contact lenses with UV protection
- Maintaining good eye hygiene
- Protecting eyes even on cloudy days
Environmental awareness and proper eye protection are crucial for preventing surfer’s eye, particularly for those who can’t or don’t want to reduce their time outdoors.
Impact on surfing and water sports
Living with surfer’s eye can affect how you approach your time in the water. Many surfers find they need to modify their habits, especially during periods when the pterygium is inflamed or causing discomfort. Some may need to reduce their time in the water or change the times they surf to avoid peak UV hours.
Competition considerations
For competitive surfers, staying proactive about eye health is key to maintaining performance and minimising disruptions caused by surfer’s eye.
Professional impact
For competitive surfers, managing surfer’s eye becomes particularly important. The condition can affect vision and comfort, potentially impacting performance during competitions. Many professional surfers work closely with their eye doctors to develop management strategies that allow them to continue competing while protecting their eyes.
Recovery and rehabilitation
If surgery becomes necessary, the recovery period typically requires a pause in water activities. Understanding the recovery timeline and following post-operative care instructions carefully helps ensure the best possible outcome and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Post-surgical care typically involves:
- Avoiding water exposure for several weeks
- Using prescribed eye drops as directed
- Wearing protective eyewear
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Gradually returning to water activities
A successful recovery often depends on following these guidelines strictly and maintaining protective measures even after returning to regular activities.
What’s the long-term outlook?
Many people successfully manage surfer’s eye through prevention and early intervention. While the condition can recur even after surgical removal, modern surgical techniques and improved understanding of prevention strategies have led to better outcomes. The key lies in balancing your passion for water sports with proper eye protection and regular monitoring of eye health.
Knowing what to look out for and avoiding surfer’s eye
Understanding surfer’s eye and taking appropriate preventive measures allows most people to continue enjoying their time in the water while protecting their vision. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional, especially if you notice any changes or experience discomfort, help ensure early detection and appropriate management of this common condition.
Want more on when things can go wrong in the water? Check out our guide to common surfing injuries.
