Pterygium is an abnormal, non-cancerous growth that starts in the thin conjunctival tissues of the eye and is driven largely by genetics & sunlight exposure. It is seen most frequently in construction workers, truck drivers, surfers, & anyone who spends time outside without sunglasses. Although pterygium is initially just cosmetically displeasing, it is a progressive condition that becomes visually significant over time, inducing astigmatism & causing vision loss from corneal scarring in advanced cases. Indeed, pterygium causes patients irritation in the United States but in the developing world it is a major cause of blindness; where access to eye surgery & sunglasses is limited & exposure to sunlight is extreme. Pterygium removal eliminates any astigmatism you have & leaves you with a normal appearing eye.