The doctor will examine you and question you about your symptoms. An ophthalmologist will use special equipment to examine your eye in detail. The doctor may perform further diagnostics to confirm their diagnosis. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source

Eye drops may be prescription or over-the-counter. An example is GenTeal drops. Your doctor may also prescribe artificial tears. This might include, for example, Refresh Tears.

Steroid drops will most likely be used on a short-term basis. Only use steroid drops under the consultation of your medical professional, as they could increase your chance of other eye diseases. Steroid drops are often prescribed when symptoms are severe. [3] X Research source

Surgery is only needed in severe circumstances, when abnormal tissue blocks sight or threatens a person’s ability to see. The procedure usually lasts less than an hour. Surgery to remove pterygium may cause or worsen astigmatism. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source

Ask about anti-metabolites. These will slow or inhibit the growth of pterygium cells that may be left over after surgery. A common anti-metabolite used to treat surfer’s eye is Mitomycin C. Your doctor may also place a barrier – a thin membrane – over the site of surgery to inhibit the growth of abnormal tissue. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

You’ll likely have to wear an eye patch for one or two days after surgery. Avoid dry or dusty environments for up to a week after surgery. You will most likely be able to return to work or your usual activities the day after surgery. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Limit time outside when the UV index is high. Most weather websites and applications will reference the UV level outside on any given day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and polarized eyeglasses or sunglasses that are rated with UV protection. Consider wraparound sunglasses if you spend a prolonged amount of time outside. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Limit time in dry and dusty environments. For instance, if you need to work outside and you live in the Desert Southwest, limit this time to an hour a day or less. If you have to spend time in dry and dusty environments, make sure you wear protective glasses. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source

Talk to your doctor about solutions that may be good for you. Consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Think about using eye drops to address irritation caused by exposure to dry or dusty environments. Your doctor might also prescribe mitomycin eye drops to be used after surgical removal of abnormal tissue. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Yellow spots on the white of the eye Redness or swelling of the eye Blurry vision Dry, gritty itchy eyes Feeling as though there is something in your eye[10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source

Abnormal tissue growth is also known as “pterygia. ” Surfer’s eye often develops in people who spend considerable amounts of time outside in dry or windy conditions. [11] X Research source

Long-term exposure to UV light. People who work outside in sunny environments are especially prone to the condition. Exposure, long-term, to dry and dusty environments. Long-term exposure to windy environments, which tend to dry eyes out. [12] X Research source

Some people who suffer from surfer’s eye may not exhibit symptoms other than abnormal tissue growth. Many individuals who suffer from surfer’s eye may not need to undergo surgery or other invasive procedures. Only a medical professional can determine the severity of your surfer’s eye. [13] X Research source