When should a pterygium be removed?

Dear drs,
My father has had a pterygium for the past few years (he's 51 now) and he was advised to have it removed. However, some people suggested that the later a pterygium is removed, the better, as if it is removed at an early stage, it regrows even faster the next time it appears.
Is this true ? At what stage would it be better for  a pterygium to be removed?

Thank you in advance!

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

The trick to pterygium surgery is to prevent the pterygium from growing back.  You should find a doctor who is really up-to-date on methods to decrease the likelihood of regrowth.  That doctor can provide the best advice as to timing of surgery once he has examined your dad.  Conjunctival auto-grafting is one of the newer techniques for treatment, you might ask on the phone if the doctor provides that treatment before making an appointment.  Definitely, we do not like pterygia to grow more than about 2 mm into the cornea, not only for cosmetic appearance but to decrease scarring after surgery.

[valentine214]

i also have a pterygium, and was wondering at what stage to have it removed???  I was advised to take antioxidants A,C and E....to slow down the growth and to help keep the eyes moist...i am still hoping to find out what stage to have it removed...