While there’s no sure way to prevent pterygium, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing the condition. This includes:

  • Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays
  • Wearing a hat to shield your eyes from sunlight, wind, and dust
  • Avoiding exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, wind, and chemical pollutants

Taking these steps can also help if you already have a pterygium and want to minimize symptoms. It can also help prevent recurrence if you’ve had surgery to remove the growth.