No stitch. No injection.
Clear eyes again.
Pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is a growth on the white of the eye that causes redness, irritation, and — if it reaches the cornea — blurred vision. It's one of the most common eye conditions in Las Vegas, and we treat more of it than most practices in the country.
Citas disponibles en español — 702-362-3900
Do you have pterygium?
If you notice any of these, it may be time for an evaluation:
✓ Chronic redness that doesn't go away with drops
✓ Irritation, burning, or gritty sensation
✓ Sensitivity to light or wind
✓ Blurred vision (if the growth reaches the cornea)
✓ Cosmetic concern — you don't like how it looks
Pterygium won't go away on its own. Early treatment means simpler surgery and lower recurrence risk.
If you live in Las Vegas, your risk is higher than almost anywhere.
Pterygium is directly caused by UV exposure, dry air, wind, and dust — all of which define the Las Vegas climate. It's why we see more pterygium patients than most practices in the country, and why our surgical technique is tuned for desert conditions.
Extreme UV year-round
Las Vegas has 294 sunny days per year. Unprotected eyes accumulate UV damage faster here than in most U.S. cities.
Wind, dust, and low humidity
Desert wind carries fine particulates that irritate the conjunctiva. Combined with single-digit humidity, the surface of your eye is under constant stress.
Outdoor workers at highest risk
Construction, landscaping, hospitality pool areas, golf courses — Las Vegas's outdoor workforce faces compounded exposure. We see these patients regularly.
Not every pterygium needs surgery
If it's small and not growing, we often manage it conservatively. If it's affecting your vision, comfort, or appearance — surgery is the answer.
Mild cases
Artificial tears and lubricating ointments to manage dryness and irritation. Anti-inflammatory drops when redness or swelling flares up. UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to slow progression. We monitor it and intervene only when necessary.
When surgery is recommended
Surgery is the right move if the pterygium is growing toward or over the cornea, affecting your vision, causing persistent discomfort, or if you want the cosmetic improvement. Dr. Malitz performs the procedure as outpatient surgery in our AAAHC-accredited surgical center.
No-stitch pterygium surgery with among the lowest recurrence rates
The biggest risk with pterygium surgery isn't the procedure — it's the growth coming back. Our technique is designed to minimize recurrence while maximizing comfort.
No injection
Only numbing drops are used — no injection behind the eye. Less anxiety, less risk, and a more comfortable experience.
No stitches
We use tissue adhesive (fibrin glue) instead of sutures. This means faster healing, less discomfort during recovery, and a better cosmetic result.
Conjunctival autograft
After removing the pterygium, we transplant a thin piece of your own healthy tissue to cover the area. This is the gold standard for preventing recurrence — and it's why our recurrence rates are among the lowest.
Why recurrence rates matter: Some older techniques have recurrence rates as high as 40–50%. Our no-stitch technique with conjunctival autograft reduces that dramatically. We track our outcomes because patients deserve to know the numbers, not just hear "it went well."
Your pterygium surgery, step by step
The procedure is outpatient — you walk in and walk out the same day.
Consultation
Dr. Malitz examines the pterygium, assesses whether surgery is needed, and explains the procedure. If it's mild, he may recommend monitoring with drops first. No pressure to proceed.
Procedure day
Numbing drops are applied. The pterygium is carefully removed and a thin graft of your own tissue is placed using tissue adhesive — no stitches. The whole procedure takes about 20–30 minutes.
First week
Expect mild redness, some light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation for several days. A patch is worn for the first 24 hours only. Prescribed drops manage inflammation and prevent infection. Most patients return to work within a few days.
Full recovery
Vision typically improves within a few weeks as redness fades and the graft heals. Cosmetic improvement is often significant — the white of the eye looks noticeably clearer. Follow-up visits ensure the graft is healthy and no recurrence is developing.
How to protect your eyes if you live in Las Vegas
If you've already had pterygium surgery, prevention is critical to avoiding recurrence. If you haven't, these habits can slow or stop a pterygium from forming in the first place.
UV-blocking sunglasses
Wraparound frames that block UV from the sides — not just the front. This is the single most effective prevention measure. Wear them every time you step outside in Las Vegas.
Wide-brimmed hat
A hat reduces UV reaching your eyes by up to 50%. Combined with sunglasses, it's the best protection available for outdoor workers and golfers.
Artificial tears daily
Keep the eye surface lubricated — especially in dry, windy conditions. Preservative-free drops used throughout the day reduce the chronic irritation that contributes to pterygium growth.
Pterygium surgery is typically covered by insurance
When a pterygium is affecting your vision or causing documented symptoms, the surgery is considered medically necessary — not cosmetic — and is covered by most insurance plans including Medicare.
Insurance patients
We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans. Pterygium removal is covered when medically indicated. We verify your coverage and file claims on your behalf. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically a co-pay only.
Self-pay patients
If you're uninsured or your pterygium is primarily cosmetic (small, not affecting vision), we offer transparent self-pay pricing. We'll give you a written estimate before scheduling. See pricing details →
Cirugía de pterigión en Las Vegas
Tratamiento del Pterigión (Carnosidad)
El pterigión — también conocido como carnosidad — es un crecimiento anormal en la conjuntiva, la capa delgada de tejido que cubre la parte blanca del ojo. Es muy común en Las Vegas debido a la exposición al sol, el aire seco y el viento del desierto.
Síntomas: enrojecimiento persistente, irritación, sensibilidad a la luz y visión borrosa si la carnosidad crece sobre la córnea.
Causas: exposición prolongada al sol o al viento, ojos secos crónicos e irritación ambiental (polvo, arena, humo).
Nuestro tratamiento: En casos leves, usamos lágrimas artificiales y medicamentos antiinflamatorios. En casos más graves, ofrecemos cirugía ambulatoria avanzada — sin suturas, sin inyecciones detrás del ojo — con una de las tasas más bajas de recurrencia disponibles. La cirugía toma aproximadamente 20–30 minutos y la mayoría de los pacientes regresan a sus actividades normales en pocos días.
Seguro médico: La cirugía de pterigión generalmente está cubierta por Medicare y la mayoría de los seguros médicos cuando es médicamente necesaria. Verificamos su cobertura antes de programar.
Llámenos: 702-362-3900 Citas disponibles en español
What patients ask about pterygium
Tired of the redness and irritation?
Dr. Malitz will examine your eye, tell you whether surgery is needed, and give you a clear plan. If drops will do the job, he'll say so. No pressure, no upsell.
702-362-3900 · W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas · Citas en español disponibles