A pterygium (pronounced “ter IDJ ee um”) is a wedge-shaped bump of fleshy tissue that grows on the white of the eye. It may begin to grow toward the center of the eye, over the cornea. This common eye condition is also known as “surfer’s eye” or “farmer’s eye.” This is because pterygia usually affect people who spend a lot of time in the sun.

A pterygium may stay small, or it may grow larger. If it grows large enough to irritate the eye or block vision, an ophthalmologist can remove it.