Cataract vs. Pterygium. What’s the Difference?
Is the red, swollen membrane on your eye a cataract?
Many people mistakenly believe that a fleshy growth on the white of the eye is a cataract.
The truth? It’s not.
That growth is called a Pterygium, a condition where tissue grows from the white part of the eye (often near the nose) onto the clear cornea.
Understanding a Pterygium
What it looks like: A fleshy, raised growth on the white of the eye that can extend over the cornea.
The myth of “ripe” removal: Some believe a pterygium must grow across the entire cornea before removal.
NOT TRUE. Waiting this long could lead to unnecessary vision loss.
Treatment: Pterygia are usually removed once they extend 1–2 millimetres onto the cornea. The best outcomes are achieved with a Tisseel Glue procedure, which provides excellent cosmetic and functional results.
What About a Pingueculum?
Pingueculums look similar to pterygia but are not the same.
They appear as yellowish or fleshy bumps on the white of the eye.
Unlike pterygia, they do not grow onto the cornea and usually don’t require removal.
Understanding Cataracts
A cataract is very different. It’s an internal eye condition:
What it is: Clouding or “dirtying” of the eye’s natural lens.
When treated: Cataracts are usually operated on once vision begins to deteriorate.
Treatment today: Cataract surgery is quick and painless. During the procedure, a plastic prescription lens is implanted, replacing the thick spectacles many patients relied on before.
Getting the Right Guidance
At Hollander Optometrists, we help patients distinguish between these eye conditions and guide them toward the best solutions for their vision and eye health.
If you notice changes in your eyes or vision, don’t wait. Book an eye exam today and let us give you clarity - literally.
Keep Learning: Curious about vision after cataract surgery? Read our article: Will I Need Spectacles After My Cataract Operation?
Hollander Optometrists – Caring for Your Eyes