RECOVERY GUIDE
Your Recovery: Pterygium Removal
You have undergone pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft. This procedure removes the abnormal fibrovascular tissue invading the cornea. Diligent UV protection and proper use of all prescribed medications are critical to prevent recurrence and ensure lasting clarity.
QID
OINTMENT + DROPS FIRST 2 WEEKS
QHS
NIGHTLY OINTMENT AFTER WEEK 2
3 mo
STEROID DROP DURATION
6 mo
TOTAL FOLLOW-UP PERIOD
DAY OF SURGERY / DAY 1 VISIT
- Eye may be patched — do not remove patch unless instructed
- Begin all prescribed medications as directed starting today
- Return for your scheduled Day 1 post-operative visit
- Mild redness, tearing, and foreign body sensation are normal
- Rest at home; avoid bending, lifting, or straining
WEEKS 1–2: ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT PHASE
- Apply Maxitrol or Tobradex ointment 4× daily (QID) for 2 full weeks
- Apply Pred Forte or Lotemax steroid drops 4× daily (QID)
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors at ALL times — UV is the #1 cause of recurrence
- 2-week follow-up visit to assess graft healing and suture sites
- Do not rub or touch your eye under any circumstances
MONTHS 1–3: STEROID MAINTENANCE PHASE
- After week 2: switch ointment to bedtime only (QHS — once nightly)
- Continue steroid drops 4× daily (QID) for a full 3 months
- Monthly follow-up visits at 1, 2, and 3 months post-surgery
- Punctal plugs to retain natural tears and support the ocular surface
- Premium dry eye therapy as recommended (IPL, LipiFlow, RF)
STEROID TAPER: MONTHS 4–6
- Month 4: Reduce steroid drops to 3× daily (TID)
- Month 5: Reduce to 2× daily (BID)
- Month 6: Reduce to 1× daily (QD), then discontinue
- Quarterly follow-up visits at months 3 and 6
- Continue UV protection and dry eye management indefinitely
UV PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL
✓ Wear UV-blocking sunglasses every time you go outdoors
✓ Wide-brim hat strongly recommended year-round
✓ UV exposure is the leading cause of pterygium recurrence
✓ Choose lenses rated UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB protection
DRY EYE MANAGEMENT
✓ Punctal plugs to retain natural tears
✓ Premium dry eye treatments: IPL, LipiFlow, RF therapy
✓ Prokera amniotic membrane therapy if indicated
✓ Preservative-free artificial tears as needed throughout the day
CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF
▸ Sudden or significant change in vision at any time
▸ Increasing pain, redness, or discharge after day 2
▸ Graft appears to be shifting, lifting, or detaching
▸ Thick yellow or green discharge (possible infection)
▸ Fever accompanied by eye redness or swelling