Protect Your Eyes from Pterygium with These Tips

We don’t have to explain just how important of an organ your eyes are to your overall well-being and day-to-day life. Your ability to read these words right now is a fantastic thing. That’s what makes eye problems and conditions all the more concerning, as even the smallest issues can eventually become problems that inhibit the accuracy and clarity of your vision. One such eye condition that has aptly earned the nickname “surfer’s eye” is known more professionally as pterygium.

Pterygium is a fairly common eye problem that, despite the nickname, can cause trouble for people from all walks of life, not just surfers. They appear as small growths along the eye’s surface that can cause both irritation and vision issues.

In the spirit of helping this condition become less common, here are two noteworthy tips for preventing them so you can avoid pterygium treatment.

Use Proper Eyewear and Eye Protection While Outside

First and foremost, protecting your eyes from the sun is the most important way you can help fight the onset of pterygium. This will serve to reduce eye strain and dryness, as well as actual damage caused by the UV rays themselves—which can all increase your risk of developing pterygium.

Our suggestion is always to wear UV-blocking sunglasses, as well as hats, whenever you’re out in the sun for extended periods of time.

Reduce Your Level of Eye Strain Whenever Possible

As touched on in the previous point, eye strain and irritation are major risk factors for developing pterygium—whether the discomfort is caused by natural elements such as wind, sand, and sun rays or long periods of screen time. 

For eye irritation that is caused by natural factors, follow the previous tip. However, if excessive screen time is the source of your eye strain, try out the 20-20-20 rule, which is: for every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something around 20 feet for 20 seconds. In both cases, you should also consider the routine use of doctor-approved eye lubricating drops.

Pterygium Treatment Made Simple at Millennium Park Eye Center

Of course, routine eye exams and checkups are another surefire way to keep pterygium at bay. So, whether you’re in need of pterygium treatment or are just looking for professional help preventing them, contact the Millennium Park Eye Center team at 312-996-2020. Our team proudly serves Chicago, IL, and all of its surrounding communities.