Pterygium Surgery Comfort Guide: Stitches, Glue, or Suture-Free?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a pterygium—commonly called “surfer’s eye”—you may already know that surgery is sometimes necessary to remove it. While the procedure itself is typically quick and safe, many patients are concerned about recovery, discomfort, and the type of technique used to close the eye after surgery. Understanding your options—stitches, glue, or suture-free—can help you prepare and feel more confident about your healing process.

A pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white part of your eye that can extend onto the cornea. During the operation, the abnormal tissue is removed, and a graft—usually taken from your own eye’s conjunctiva—is applied to the area to minimize recurrence. The choice of graft attachment method can impact how comfortable you feel and how quickly your eye heals.

Pros:

• Secure: Sutures keep the graft firmly in place, reducing the risk of it moving.

• Proven: Surgeons have decades of experience with this method.

Cons:

• Discomfort: Stitches can cause irritation, a scratchy feeling, or even watery eyes.

• Longer recovery: You may feel mild discomfort for a few weeks until the sutures dissolve or are removed.

• Postoperative care: Eye drops and careful hygiene are important to prevent irritation or infection.

Tip: If you have a lower pain tolerance, ask your surgeon if they can use finer dissolvable sutures, which tend to feel more comfortable.

Pros:

• Reduced discomfort: Glue is less irritating than stitches, making early recovery smoother.

• Shorter surgery: Attaching the graft with glue is faster than suturing.

• Less redness: Many patients report reduced postoperative inflammation.

Cons:

• Cost: Glue can be more expensive than sutures.

• Rare reactions: Though uncommon, some patients may react to the adhesive.

Tip: Glue can be particularly beneficial for patients who want minimal irritation and a quicker return to normal activities.

Some surgeons now use advanced methods that don’t require stitches or glue at all, relying on the natural healing properties of your eye to hold the graft in place. This is the type of pterygium surgery Brisbane we do at Dr Brendan Cronin clinic in Brisbane, Australia. 

Pros:

• Maximum comfort: There’s no foreign material to irritate the eye.

• Fast recovery: Patients often notice less redness and swelling.

• Convenience: Fewer follow-up visits may be needed.

Cons:

• Not suitable for everyone: The success of suture-free surgery depends on the size of the pterygium and the surgeon’s experience.

• Slightly higher risk of graft movement: Close monitoring during the first few days is essential.

Tip: Ask your surgeon if suture-free techniques are an option for your specific case—they can help determine if your eye and pterygium size are ideal for this method.

Regardless of the technique used, a few simple measures can make recovery smoother:

1. Follow your eye drop schedule: Anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops prevent infection and reduce swelling.

2. Protect your eyes: Sunglasses and a hat outdoors minimize UV exposure.

3. Avoid rubbing your eye: This can dislodge the graft.

4. Rest and hydrate: Good overall health supports faster healing.

Choosing between stitches, glue, or suture-free techniques comes down to your comfort, lifestyle, and your surgeon’s recommendation. Modern methods like glue or suture-free approaches often offer faster, less irritating recoveries, but traditional sutures remain a reliable option, especially for complex cases.

If you’re considering pterygium surgery, talk to your ophthalmologist about the technique best suited for you. Knowing what to expect can make your recovery smoother and your eyes healthier for the long run.

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