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Miami Eye Institute — Surgery and Diseases of the Eye
Call: 954-251-1802

Pterygium & Pinguecula Care

Expert diagnosis and treatment for sun- and irritation-related growths on the surface of the eye.

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TRUSTED CREDENTIALS

  • Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
  • Specialty Surface Imaging
  • Medical & Surgical Options
  • Cosmetic & Functional Care
Patient resting her chin on an automated eye-testing instrument

A clear approach to surface growths on the eye.

Miami Eye Institute, led by Dr. Inna Ozerov, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of pterygium and pinguecula — two common growths on the surface of the eye driven by sun exposure, wind, dust, and chronic irritation.

A pinguecula is a small, yellowish raised area on the white of the eye that typically does not affect vision. A pterygium (sometimes called “surfer’s eye”) is a wedge-shaped growth that can extend onto the cornea, causing redness, irritation, dryness, and — when large enough — blurred or distorted vision.

Living in sunny South Florida means our patients face higher risk for both conditions. Our team provides everything from medical management for mild cases to advanced surgical removal with conjunctival autografting for cases that require it. Miami Eye Institute proudly serves patients in Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, Miramar, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Lifetime prevalence of pterygium in sunny regions.
12%
The common nickname linked to UV exposure.
Surfer’s Eye
Main conditions: pinguecula (white-of-eye) and pterygium (extends onto cornea).
2
Modern pterygium removal is a same-day procedure.
Outpatient

OUR APPROACH

How we evaluate and treat these growths.

Not every pterygium or pinguecula requires surgery. Our process focuses on identifying which growths can be managed medically and which truly need surgical removal.

Dr. Inna Ozerov examining a patient at a slit lamp

  1. Detailed Eye Surface Exam

    Using slit-lamp microscopy, we assess the size, location, and impact of the growth on your tear film, cornea, and vision.

  2. Symptom & Vision Review

    We evaluate whether the growth is causing chronic irritation, redness, dryness, induced astigmatism, or cosmetic concerns.

  3. Personalized Treatment Plan

    Mild cases respond to lubricating drops, anti-inflammatory medications, and sun protection. Larger or vision-affecting growths may benefit from surgical removal with conjunctival autografting.

  4. Prevention & Follow-Up

    We emphasize UV protection and proper eye lubrication to reduce the risk of regrowth and keep your eye surface healthy long term.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Inna Ozerov

Dr. Inna Ozerov is a board-certified ophthalmologist serving patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding communities including Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, and Miramar. She specializes in pterygium, pinguecula, ocular surface disease, and the surgical removal of conjunctival growths, providing personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.

Contact Inna Ozerov
Get directions to 7700 Davie Road Ext

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

Don’t ignore growths on your eye.

If you notice a raised, yellowish bump or a fleshy growth on the white of your eye, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun, have it examined. Dr. Ozerov will tell you whether it is a pinguecula or a pterygium and what, if anything, needs to be done.

  • Comprehensive ocular surface evaluation with Dr. Ozerov
  • A clear diagnosis — pinguecula or pterygium
  • A personalized plan, medical or surgical, tailored to your eyes

Schedule a Consultation

For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out this form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about pterygium and pinguecula.

These growths are common in sunny places like South Florida. Here are answers to the questions patients ask most about them.

What is a pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised growth on the white of the eye, typically on the side closest to the nose. It is caused by long-term sun, wind, and dust exposure and usually does not affect vision.
What is a pterygium?
A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth that starts on the white of the eye and can gradually extend onto the cornea. Unlike pinguecula, it can cause redness, irritation, induced astigmatism, and — when large — blurred or distorted vision.
What causes these growths?
Both conditions are linked to chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, dry and windy environments, and dust or chemical irritation. They are especially common in people who spend significant time outdoors in sunny climates such as South Florida.
Are they dangerous?
Most pingueculae and small pterygia are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns. A pterygium that extends onto the cornea can affect vision and may require surgery.
How are they treated without surgery?
Mild cases are managed with lubricating eye drops, occasional anti-inflammatory drops, UV-blocking sunglasses, and proper eye protection. These steps relieve symptoms and slow growth.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is recommended when a pterygium grows large enough to affect vision, causes persistent inflammation, or causes significant cosmetic concern. Modern surgery uses a conjunctival autograft technique that dramatically lowers the risk of recurrence.
Can they come back after surgery?
Older surgical techniques had higher recurrence rates, but modern autograft surgery has reduced recurrence significantly. Continued sun protection and lubrication after surgery further lower the risk. Dr. Ozerov serves patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding communities with state-of-the-art surface care.

Still have questions?

Dr. Inna Ozerov will personally evaluate your eyes and help you understand the best path forward for pterygium, pinguecula, and other ocular surface growths. Serving patients throughout Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Contact Inna Ozerov