Day theatre procedure
About this service
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure available in Windhoek to remove a pterygium, a wedge-shaped growth of tissue that develops on the white part of the eye and can extend onto the cornea. It's often linked to long-term sun and wind exposure, and can cause redness, irritation or, if it grows large enough, affect vision. Surgery removes the growth and helps prevent it from returning or worsening.
At Eastgate Clinic this procedure is performed in our on-site day theatre, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will assess your eye and advise on the right time for removal.
What to expect
- Your doctor measures how far the growth extends onto the cornea before surgery is planned
- The pterygium is removed in our on-site day theatre with an anaesthetist and theatre staff, and you go home the same day
- Redness, watering and a scratchy feeling in the eye are normal in the first week
- Anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops are prescribed to support healing
- Follow-up visits in our rooms check healing and watch for any regrowth
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Redness or irritation on the white part of the eye
- A visible growth extending towards the cornea
- Grittiness or a foreign body sensation in the eye
- Blurred vision linked to a growing pterygium
- A pterygium your doctor recommends removing
Frequently asked questions
When should a pterygium be removed?
Removal is considered when the growth causes ongoing redness or irritation, creeps onto the cornea, or starts to blur your vision. Your doctor will measure the pterygium in our rooms and advise whether surgery or lubricating drops is the better step for now.
Can a pterygium grow back after surgery?
It can, which is why the surgical technique and aftercare matter. Using your prescribed drops, wearing sunglasses outdoors and attending follow-up visits all help reduce the chance of recurrence.
How long is recovery after pterygium removal?
You go home the same day from our on-site day theatre. Expect redness, watering and a gritty feeling for about a week, with the eye continuing to settle over the following weeks.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your pterygium removal?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.