Your eyes will be patched closed. After surgery, patients usually spend at least one day resting with their head elevated on a pillow and often apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Some patients report a dull headache and tenderness or discomfort. You may also experience temporary numbness.

Dr. Tandon will meet with you, examine you, and discuss all the possible complications, answer all of your questions, and perform the surgery. Dr. Tandon, MD, PhD is a trained eye physician and surgeon from Stanford University. She is a board certified ophthalmologist. See similar questions...

A - You will have a headache for several days and may be nauseated. Some patients complain of neck and backaches as well. You may have a black eye and facial swelling. You should feel much better by the third day and feel ready to go home by the fourth to seventh day. See similar questions...

You may be a little drowsy and may not remember much about the operation or you may be quite awake and alert. This partly depends on the type of medication that was used to make you drowsy before the operation. After surgery, most patients are surprised at how easy the whole experience was. See similar questions...

Although most pterygia are harmless and can be left alone safely; they are surgically removed for the following reasons: Discomfort: If a pterygium is causing excessive irritation due to dryness / inflammation or a persistent foreign body sensation. See similar questions...

Pterygium surgery is very successful. However, the recurrence rate is often as high as 30 to 40 percent and they tend to come back bigger and faster. See similar questions...

No, the best patients are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well motivated. Some medical conditions may increase the risk of pterygium surgery. Patients with significant eye problems like glaucoma or dry eyes may not be eligible. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or thyroid disease is also of concern. Through consultation and examination, we can determine if you're a candidate for this rewarding procedure. See similar questions...

If pterygium is interfering in your field of vision, the procedure may be covered as a "medically necessary" surgery. Before surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination. Photographs are often required by insurance companies before surgery to determine if the procedure is medically necessary. Final decision is made by your insurance carrier after reviewing your condition. Pingueculum surgery is not covered by insurance unless there is a medical necessity. See similar questions...

Most of the time there is no visible scar after the healing is complete. Once healed, the hairline scars will fade. See similar questions...

Surgery is the only way to remove a pterygium, but the results can be disappointing. Even with modern techniques, the recurrence rate is often as high as 30 to 40 percent and they tend to come back bigger and faster. See similar questions...

Pterygium surgery is usually performed by giving small local anesthesia injection to numb the tissues. Generally there is no pain during surgery. If you are very nervous, you will be given a Valium pill to help you relax. A light intravenous sedation may also be given. Patients are awake during surgery. Patients do not hear or feel anything and are comfortable during surgery. Pterygium surgery is commonly done on an outpatient basis. See similar questions...

New techniques have significantly reduced healing times. However, each patient's healing time varies with the type of procedure performed, medical history and physical health. You can expect to go to your work place after a week. See similar questions...

We see all surgery patients one day after the surgery. Further follow-up will depend upon your individual condition and schedule. Dr. Tandon will be available to see you in the office, if necessary. There is no charge for future visits after surgery. See similar questions...

For the first few hours there may be some discomfort, but usually not severe. If the pain persists, call your doctor. See similar questions...

It is normal for you to feel some minor irritation for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. As the tissues of the eye heal, this foreign body sensation will diminish and finally disappear. See similar questions...