Pterygium is a very common, abnormal growth of clear covering (conjunctiva) of white part of the eye (sclera) over the cornea (window of the eye). If severe and causing discomfort or red, it can be removed with surgery. It is generally benign (not a cancer).

It is due to excess sun/UV exposure usually. Prevention is usually the only remedy. Avoid sun (sunglasses, hat); avoid smoking. Steroid/other meds help symptoms: not cure.

I did come across a website (see below) that has patients who have tried Apple Cider Vinegar, Castor Oil, or Activated Charcoal to help with symptoms. These treatments have not been studied in a double blinded, randomized & controlled fashion.

A pubmed search, though, did not show any blinding or dangerous effects like ulcer from these treatments except from an explosion during traditional vinegar production (see very bottom).

While these treatments, may not hurt, there is no objective proof, other than the below anectodal reports, that they really do help in the long run.

What I also have not seen is diets rich in anti-angiogenesis factors (ie, green tea, anti-oxidants) as a way to prevent it from growing. Would a diet that decreases inflammation, angiogenesis, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), help prevent or limit pterygium’s growth? No one has looked into this, to my knowledge.

Let me know what you think about below if you have tried it. Just be careful with too much apple cider vinegar as it could potentially do damage to the cornea. I would not use it with contact lenses, for instance. And I do not want anyone reading this to be a “first case report”!

Thus I cannot recommend below clinically, but must include the research I found online looking for any potential natural remedies.

I will look into studying this in a controlled fashion at Visionary Ophthalmology at some point.

Also, it might be a good idea to ask your eyeMD if you Demodex. Study below by Dr. Tseng seems to suggest it might be a risk factor for a recurrence of pterygium (2 cases he noted). Of note, though, he has a vested/financial interest in Tea Tree Oil as Cliradex.

Still, it does make sense that an inflammatory agent such as Demodex could cause the pterygium to grow back. Tea tree oil is relatively low cost & low risk. Future studies will need to be done to see if it is verifiably a risk factor for primary and recurrent pterygium.

2007 Feb;26(2):136-43.

Clinical treatment of ocular demodecosis by lid scrub with tea tree oil.

Gao YY1, Di Pascuale MA, Elizondo A, Tseng SC.

Author information

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report clinical outcome of treating ocular demodecosis by lid scrub with tea tree oil (TTO).

METHODS:

Retrospective review of clinical results in 11 patients with ocular Demodex who received weekly lid scrub with 50% TTO combined with daily lid hygiene with tea tree shampoo.

RESULTS:

These 11 patients also had meibomian gland dysfunction (n = 7) manifesting abnormal lipid film with slow lipid film spread, intermittent trichiasis (n = 5), and subjective lash loss (n = 4), suggesting damage to the meibomian glands and lash follicles. In addition, conjunctival inflammation (n = 8) was associated with conjunctivitis (n = 5), conjunctivochalasis (n = 3), findings suspicious for pemphigoid (n = 2), and recurrentpterygium (n = 2). After TTO lid scrub, the Demodex count dropped to 0 for 2 consecutive visits in less than 4 weeks in 8 of 11 patients. Ten of the 11 patients showed different degrees of symptomatic relief and notable reduction of inflammatory signs. Significant visual improvement in 6 of 22 eyes was associated with a stable lipid tear film caused by significant reduction of lipid spread time. Lid scrub with 50% TTO caused notable irritation in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION:

Demodex potentially causes ocular surface inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, and lash abnormalities. Lid scrub with TTO can effectively eradicate ocular Demodex and result in subjective and objective improvements. This preliminary positive result warrants future prospective investigation of Demodex pathogenicity.

http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/pterygium.html

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Cures Reported

Natural Remedies for Pterygium

Last Modified on Aug 01, 2014

Home > Ailments > Natural Remedies for Pterygium

Treatment of pterygium ranges from more conventional means to less traditional, more natural options. A variety of natural substances are effective for treating and eliminating pterygium. These treatments discontinue and even reverse growth of pterygium.

What is Pterygium?

Also known as surfer’s eye, pterygium is a condition that involves the growth of a pink or white fleshy tissue in the eye. The growth typically forms on the side closest to the nose and continually grows throughout an individual’s life. Common symptoms associated with the condition include burning, itching, blurred vision, a gritty feeling or the sensation of having a foreign body in the eye. While the cause of the condition is not clear, contributing factors may include dry eye, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and irritants including dust and wind.

Natural Remedies for Surfer’s Eye

Treating pterygium requires elements that distend growth and reduce inflammation and irritation. Many natural options achieve both of these effectively. Apple cider vinegar, castor oil and activated charcoal are among the most effective treatments for the condition.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a highly acidic compound. When diluted with water and applied to the affected eye, the acid in the vinegar balances the pH of the eye and naturally minimizes the growth. The vinegar also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals that are healthful for the eye.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a natural oil used for treating several different ailments. The oil consists of nearly 90 percent ricinoleic acid, making it an effective anti-inflammatory. As such, the oil functions to reduce inflammation in the eye and reverse growth of the tumor.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a common remedy known for its ability to absorb most organic toxins – chemicals and poisons. Activated charcoal is highly alkaline so it realigns the body’s alkalinity level. These properties together eliminate any inflammation causing agents in the body and reduce the appearance of pterygium.

Pterygium is a common eye condition that typically affects individuals who spend a great deal of time outdoors. The condition manifests as the growth of a pink or white fleshy tissue on the white of the eye. Natural treatments effectively eliminate the growth and relieve any associated inflammation or discomfort.

User Reviews

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Approval Ratings
YEA (2)		100%

06/10/2014: Kr from Us: “I’ve had a pterygium on my left eye about 5 years. I started using B—- ACV about three weeks ago after reading Willie’s story and have noticed a big difference. I use a round cotton pad saturated with ACV, and I also use a spray bottle. When I use the cotton pads I put one tablespoon of ACV undiluted in a bowl and then I drop two cotton pads in the bowl to soak it up. I lay down and put one pad on both eyes with my eyes closed. I leave it for 5+ minutes. It stings a little bit when it seeps between my eyelids but that is the goal. After 5 minutes I clean the rest of my face with the cotton pads. When I use the spray bottle I put one tablespoon of ACV and one tablespoon of tap water. I spray it all over my face and keep my eyes closed. I rub it into my face and slowly open my eyes allowing some to seep through. It stings a little bit, but again, that is the goal. I repeat this about 3 times until the spray bottle is empty. Sometimes I spray it on my hair as it is also good for hair. I do this once a day and based on what I’ve seen I hope the pterygium will be all cleared up in a few months. I haven’t applied it directly to my eyes yet but may try to in the future. I would probably start with a ratio of 1/10 (ACV/water) and depending on how much it stings adjust it from there. I suggest people use trial and error in determining what ratios are best for them based on their tolerance for stinging and their skin and eyes’ reaction.”

Replies

06/10/2014: T Bird from Iowa replies: “Please update us in the next month or so. I am also experimenting with this method.”

[YEA] 08/01/2014: Kr from Us replies: “10-week update: It’s been about 2.5 months now since I started using ACV (with the mother) to get rid of my pterygium and am happy to report that it is steadily disappearing. I had a somewhat large one measured by length, width and even depth/height that went well into my cornea. I would say that it is currently at 1/4 the size it was when I started. I also started to use it in drops added directly to my eye. I use a ratio that is about three parts water to one part ACV and I put it in an empty visine container. I put it directly into my eye at first but it stung a little too much, so now I drop it on the crevice of my closed eyelids and let it seep through as I slowly open my eyes. I do this once every day. Good luck to everyone.”

03/09/2014: Shepherd from Toronto, Canada: “Thank you guys for making this website to help and educate people living with pterygium and other ailment. I have pterygium in my left eye and wanted to try the apple cider vinegar approach but I don’t knw the right percentage to mix with water. Can someone give me the measurement please? Is there any other premade mixture you can recommend plz? Thank you.”

Replies

04/27/2014: Mary from Yutan, Ne replies: “To use apple cider vinegar & water the amounts are: 1 Tsp of ACV & 12 Oz’s of Distilled water. I would use organic ACV that has the mother in it. Make sure that you shake the bottle of ACV very thoroughly before measuring out the Tsp. Once you add it to the distiled water mix them together very thoroughly. Hope this helps anyone wanting to know the ratio mixture.”

06/10/2014: Bradley from British Columbia replies: “How do you apply your ACV-distilled water mix to the pterygium safely and what amount and how often? Brad”

07/03/2014: Loly101 from New Hampshire replies: “I have a Pterygium in my right eye. I want it gone. I found this site and I will try the ACV. Today is the first day I am using the solution of 12 oz distilled water and 1 tsp of ACV. I will keep updating.”

07/04/2014: Angie from South Pasadena, Ca replies: “I would like to know how many people the ACV treatment feel it burns or stinks and how many people say it doesn’t. Also, can someone please tell me how long it takes to work? Thanks.”

07/12/2014: Stefan from Ca, US replies: “Loly101, even though it’s only been a few days have you seen any results?
I’ve been trying this method off and on for about 6 months by emptying a visine tube, rinsing it out, and filling it with 95% water and the rest ACV and doing it up to 3 times a day. Yes Angie, it does sting very much especially if not diluted enough. But I’m really not seeing (no pun;) a difference in the size of my pterygium. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommend what works?
Thanks!”

[YEA] 06/27/2013: Willie Woodbine from Perth, Western Australia: “I had pterigiums in both eyes some years ago, and was contemplating surgery. I had blepharitis also – a long term problem. I started using diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV), applied with a piece of cotton wool, to control the blepharitis and it worked very well. But the best news was that both pterigia shrank away to nothing over a period of time, and surgery was not needed. Whether this was a pure coincidence or not I do not know, but I am sure that pH had a major bearing on it. I also use ACV to control tinea – most effective. It’s all about acid.”

Replies

06/27/2013: Jirahgives from Niles, Michigan replies: “What ratio water to apple cider vinegar did you use, and for how long? I accidentally discovered that ACV diluted with water got rid of my pink eye which I get every year when spring comes and I get allergies which lead to infections. I was tired of getting torn epithilium in my eye, from aggressive rubbing. Year after year of eye antibiotics also were starting to get old. One time I was broke and couldnt go in to be seen for the eyes. I just randomly diluted ACV with water, about 1/8 ACV to 7/8 water. The urge to scratch went away instantly. After 2 days the eyes had cleared back to normal. So I totally believe you when you say it worked for your pterygia. I have them on both eyes and I am so going to the supermarket to replenish my ACV. Thanks for sharing.”

08/10/2013: Beatriz from Houston, Tx replies: “Do you apply Apple Cider Vinegar directly into the eye? Do you add more water than vinegar? My brother has developed tissue on his left eye and is bothering him. And, the Dr. prescribed him steroid eye drops. If the treatment does not work, then surgery is the next option. Please reply ASAP.”

09/04/2013: Steenie from Florida replies: “I would like to try this… As ACV is likely the only thing that won’t hurt my uveitis… I keep hearing ‘use wool’, did you find this was necessary in this treatment?… Is cotton wool just cotton, like a flannel?… Otherwise, I cannot use actual wool, as it would also create uveitic reaction…”

09/19/2013: Johjan from United Arabs Emirates replies: “Hello to everyone! Im Jang, I have also pterygium in my right eye about ACV, I just bought heinz AVC is it ok. I use this product and how many days should I stop using AVC for my pterygium and does AVC does not affect my sight? Hope you answer my questions coz I really want to get rid my pterygium, thanks a lot for sharing us this topics”

09/30/2013: Osider from Oceanside, Ca. replies: “I’m contacting re: the topic of pterygiums. I’ve had two growing for over 10 years now, one in each eye. The right eye perigium is small, but my left eye has been growing and entering the cornea area. I have looked into surgery but came across your information online here and started using apple cider vinger.
My question is re: the application. I am currently using 4 to 1 water to apple cider vinager and putting it in an emptied out/cleaned out visine container and applying a few drops a day morning and evening. Is this okay vs. The cotton swab? If so, how long should I repeat this for to see effective change? Thank You.”

01/06/2014: Maricar from Philippines replies: “How do you apply the apple cider Vinegar to your eyes? how much water required on it? could you please give us the full detail how will do it? so that we can also try it at home. so much interested on it, also wanted to get rid of this illness. Thanks. Maricar”

01/27/2014: Pauline from Sydney, Australia replies: “Just wondering how the Apple Cider Vinegar works on your eyes. Have just been diagnosed with Pterygium and pinguecula. Feeling overwhelmed and don’ t want to look people. Many thanks, Pauline”

05/18/2014: Gil from Malaysia replies: “Hi.. Can I know how you dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar and how long it takes for you until your pterygium gone?.. Thnx ;)”

Castor Oil

Approval Ratings
YEA (2)		50%
NAY (1)		25%
BETTER BUT NOT CURED (1)		25%

04/28/2013: Ray from Grambling, Louisiana: “I have pterygium growth in my right eye. Disturbed my body image. My eyes turn red most time. My ophthalmologist prescribed me FML Forte, a steroid with serious side effects. I need to go get the castor oil right away.”

Replies

01/12/2014: Natty from England, Uk replies: “Any luck with the castor oil for Pterygium? Anyone kindly give us some outcome with using the Castor Oil? I was diagnosed with Pterygium this week, I have been searching online as there is not cure for Pterygium, only surgery wise.
I am heartbroken and had been in tears over this. I am only 30 years old female, my GP didn’t tell me much about it and nothing to worry about until it effected my vision and just send me away. I am seeing another doctor next week and as I want another second opinion.
So I have been using the pure castor oil since yesterday, twice a day into my eye, worth a try and see for the next two weeks or so. If that doesn’t work, I am going to try the Apple Cider Vinegar route. If that doesn’t work, then I am going to think about having surgery before it’s get too serious.
Anyone write any successes stories on here, I would love to hear from you. Anyone know any decent eye doctor in England? Anyone had surgery in England for Pterygium?
I really upset over this! N”

02/27/2014: Elle from New Zealand replies: “Hi. I’m in my 30’s too and mine is progressively getting bigger.
The castor oil didn’t make mine go away but does seem to make it lighter. I fully intend to try ACV. All the health professionals I have spoken to all say its tied up with the liver! And that it’s an underlying issue. I thought my liver was fine although I do like to have a couple of drinks every day which is hard to give up.
The thought of surgery terrifies me! I will update if ACV works at all. I have also tried colloidal silver in the eyes to no avail :(“

[NAY] 03/30/2014: Natty from England, Uk replies: “Hi Elle,
Castor Oil or ACV didn’t work.
My Pterygium is growing, I had mine almost a year now. I am sure I am developing another one in my left eye. 🙁
Surgery is the only way to remove this ugly Pterygium, my ophthalmologist said he will remove it and seeing him soon to discuss surgery. I am worry about reoccurrence, it could come back.”

[YEA] 08/04/2012: Kamo from Pretoria, South Africa: “I have been having problems with pterygium since 2006 and had surgery twice. Three days ago I read testimonies about castor oil treatment for pterygium, I bought it the same day and have been using it for the past two nights. Im telling you, the results are great. Prior to using castor oil my eyes were extremely red and painful, I could not even look at the screen of a PC. Today my eyes are pure white and the pain is no longer there. Looking forward to my recovery.”

Replies

08/26/2012: Clear81 from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China replies: “Hi Kamo, May I know what is your development for using castor oil for your Pterygium? I would like to know what is the brand of Castor oil you are using? In my case, I stop using it since I do not see any effect on it except I sleep deep and wake up refreshed. I just put a few drops in my finger and gently put it in my eyelid where the pterygium is. How did you apply it? thanks”

03/12/2013: Jt from Racine, Wisconsin replies: “I’m very interested in the castor oil/coconut oil treatment for pterygium. I’ve had both eyes operated on to remove the growth, and another to remove scar tissue that has formed after surgery on my right eye. The right eye is constantly red and at times very irritated. Eye drops help somewhat but not for long. My left eye gets what feels like a nerve zinger every so often and it’s not fun. I have scheduled yet another appt. For my opthamologist to check it out. I have had horrendous pain after both surgeries. Only until the 3rd surgery did I take painkillers which made a huge difference in my sanity and I was at least able to sleep. No body told me how much pain I’d have post- op. And when I complained they looked at me like I was from another planet. I always knew I was sensitive but that was ridiculous. Anyway, I’m now wondering if the oils ( castor and/or coconut) are able to help my scarred eye as well. Anybody have this problem or had surgery to remove the scar tissue? I’m a 57 yr old woman and I’m so tired of surgery. This has all taken place within the last 2 1/2 years, and it’s killing my pocketbook and my nerves. I appreciate any help you might have.
JT”

07/31/2013: Ashley from Nz replies: “Do you put castor oil directly into your eye? If so does it have to be a special kind of castor oil or just any from the pharmacy?”

11/03/2010: Noddy from Adelaide, Australia: “Just wondering how you were using the castor oil. Were you taking it internally?? I have a pterygium which I am desperate to get rid of. I have heard you can put castor oil drops in your eye to get rid of it??”

Replies

03/15/2012: Aishwarya from Nagpur, India replies: “Try Drishti Eye Drops made by Patanjali Ayurveda( Swami Ramdev). It should work very well.”

01/17/2010: Mel from Katy, TX: “I just use a q-tip and dip in the Castor oil bottle and have just a drop fall on the tip of my finger and quickly apply to my eyelid. Do the same for the other eye. Rub it in very well and get in bed. It works very fast. I am more excited about my pterygium diminishing and maybe possibly going away for good. Keeping my fingers crossed. So, for me it has helped in two ways and I hope that it helps someone else with insomnia and a pterygium.”

Replies

03/20/2012: Clear81 from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China replies: “Hi Mel and others, How’s the development of your pterygium treatment using the Castor oil? I would like to know because I am eager to try it too on my one eye. Your post has been 2 years ago and I tried sending you a mail but I don’t know how so I just post it here.
Any feedbacks from the others who tried it? Thank you in advance for your post.
Regards, R”

04/18/2014: Festus from New Delhi India replies: “I’m living in new delhi india. Pls I need best of it, I’m having pterygium since 15 yrs back with one eye but now I have it in both eyes. I need help pls, I hear of castor oil and coconut oil treatment. Which store can I find this oil? Pls I’m scared. I need help to get rid of pterygium. My email id festus_c121 at ymail dot com. thank you all and God bless.”

07/29/2014: Carlo from Ottawa, Canada replies: “Hey, just wondering how are you doing after all this time with your pterygium, did it go away? Are you still using castor oil? Thanks!”

[YEA] 01/16/2010: Mel from Katy, TX: “Castor Oil cured my insomnia and a Pterygium on my left eye. A pterigium is fatty deposit from wind/dust that affects one or both eyes. There is no pain, but it looks gross. I first got this while living in West Texas and was diagnosed by an Ophthalmologist. My doctor told me that it is not serious unless it starts growing towards the pupil and therefore, should be removed because it will affect my eye sight. My pterigium over the years was getting closer and closer to my pupil as the years have gone by. I knew that very soon I would have to have surgery to have it removed. I started the castor oil therapy about 2 weeks ago for my insomnia and just about 2 days ago I was looking in the mirror and look at my eyes and had to do a double take. The pterygium is almost gone! It is very thin and is not noticeable at all. I am so happy! I started using castor oil for insomnia and that was successful and at the same time cured my pterygium. Thank you so much. :D”

Replies

10/22/2012: Lester from Tobago replies: “Hi I have a pterigium in both my eyes for the past 44 years it means from birth and I am anxious to have it removed please advise me on how to apply the castor oil. ASAP my email is symple6(at)yahoo.com”

10/24/2012: Wayseer from Motown, Ca/ Usa replies: “Hi Lester! Just a thought, but I am eating lots of raw organic honey in the comb -with royal bee jelly- after hearing about a radiologist telling a man with severe corneal problems to, “Just eat as much raw honey with royal bee jelly as you can handle, ” and that this very serious eye problem was soon healed completely.
I now have no floaters or fuzziness, and my vision is improving! You just chew the wax awhile, then spit it out, if eaten by the spoonfull. It has good stuff for you, and can be spread on warm toast with wax eaten too. You won’t even notice, and it’s lovely, really good. –T.”

05/15/2013: Sylvia from Rustenburg,northwest Province replies: “How do I use castor oil? Do I have to drink it or pour it inside my eyes?”

06/19/2013: Eva from Ab Canada replies: “Do I drink the castor oil or just drop it in my eye?”

09/19/2013: Johjan from United Arab Emirates replies: “Hello! I have also pterygium in my right eye! May I know what brand of castor oil that you are using and how to used it! Thanks a lot, hope you reply”

04/18/2014: Festus from New Delhi, India replies: “I have pterygium on both eye, may I know full name of the brand of castor oil that you are using and how to be used . Thanks a lot, hope you reply God bless.”

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 06/06/2014: Athena from San Diego, Ca replies: “Hi All,
Currently, I have a pterygium in both eyes and just started treatment using the Castor Oil treatment. What I do is dip a Q-tip into the bottle of castor oil and put 1-2 drops directly onto the pterygium. I don’t know if it’s just in my head or not (since I am so eager to get rid of them), but I am already starting to notice the castor oil going to work. In one eye, the pterygium is beginning to fade a bit. I will keep you updated on the prognosis. Good luck! :)”

Castor Oil, Activated Charcoal

Approval Ratings
BETTER BUT NOT CURED (1)		100%

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/17/2013: Soange from Douglasville, Georgia, Usa: “Pterygium: Hello All, I am so excited I don’t know how to tell my story. I have had these blotches in my eyes pretty much all my life. I had just accepted it until about four years ago when my vision began to be blurry. I don’t know what they are; never been diagnos. I came across the Castor Oil treament and said to my self, it can’t hurt to try. All I can say is, those dark brown, reddish, yellowish spots in my eyes have reduced in color and dimension and my Vision has improved beyond my expectation. Where they were brown, they are now yellowish, reddish has disappear; and yellowish is now very faint cream. It is working!!! I see a vast improvement for the time I have been using it, 2 weeks. I am going to keep it up. My treatment:

1 drop of Castor Oil in each eye at night (if I know I am not going back out, I start early)
1 drop of Activated Charcoal Eyedrop (found here on EC, on how to make)

I let the Castor Oil do it’s thing for a couple of hours, follow by the Activated Charcoal Eye Drops
The first couple of nights, I had something like puss all over my eyes, I knew there was more going on there. Thanks EC!!!”
Replies

01/12/2014: Natty from England, Uk replies: “I know your post is a year old, just wondering If the Castor Oil work for your eye? Please kindly reply! Thanks.”

Dipyridamole

04/13/2014: Petersama from Japan: “Http://australiandryeye.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/42045074-potential-breakthrough-using-dipyridamole Seems like there is a topical cure breakthrough that happened recently. However I am not recommending people to go and find this chemical and try to dilute it for use in their eyes. Just that there may be hope! I wouldn’t know how long it stays in clinical trials though…”

Fish Oil

Approval Ratings
BETTER BUT NOT CURED (1)		100%

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/22/2014: Ts from Seattle, Wa: “Hi. I am in my 40’s and just want to share my success story with Pterygium removal. I was diagnosed with pterygium in my right eye in 2008. I know how awful it is to have a blob growing in your eye and how it gets red at times. Mine was growing on the inside of my eye on the sclera adjacent to the iris. I hated looking in the mirror and thought about it constantly. I did a lot of research and ended up having it removed by an eye doctor in the Seattle area. He told me he wouldn’t even try to remove it unless I had taken some precautions ahead of time. This included taking 2 teaspoons of fish oil daily for 2 months prior to the surgery. (He asked that I increase the dose to 1 tablespoon after 1 month but that upset my stomach.) I also was also instructed to take Lotemax for 4 weeks prior to the surgery and FML Forte (a steroid) 3x/day the week before the surgery. He had also recommended that I take Restasis for 2 months prior but I declined this. I liked what the doctor told me – he wouldn’t perform the surgery unless my eye was properly prepared for it. He said if he just went in and removed it and we hadn’t “prepared” the eye for surgery then it would just grow back. Well, it he was right and it worked! After the surgery (which seemed like it lasted only 5 minutes – he did not do any grafting, just a simple excision) I had to take Durezol (steroid) for 15 days (tapered), then Combigan 2x/day for 10 days and Tobradex 1x/day for 5 days. The surgery was in 2011. This was three years ago and still no sign of the pterygium returning. I rarely think about it anymore and have not changed my diet (except tried to drink less coffee). I have continued with the fish oil over the years (1 teaspoon 3x/week ). I only use Ca—-‘s Fish Oil (lemon flavored) in the bottle. I fill a small cup with water and add 1 tsp of the fish oil. It doesn’t taste bad at all. It is the lubricant our eyes need to stay hydrated and healthy. I feel very lucky I found this doctor. Do your homework! I interviewed 3 doctor’s before finding this one. Also, you don’t need to tons of money on grafting – at least this was my experience. I wish you luck!”

Remedies Needed

04/17/2014: Ekele from Uyo, Nigeria, West Africa: “Kindly note that I need a practical solution to getting rid of pterigium in my left eye. I don’t want to consider surgery.

I will be glad to have you share full details of natural remedies I can use, including dosage. Thanks.”

02/26/2014: Alrick from United Kingdom : “Hi, I recently got some info on your website about natural remedy for pterygium eye infection. You had 3 ingredients for the remedy but I don’t know how to use them if they go together or alone and how to mix them and how to apply them, please let me know as soon as possible. Alrick”

06/27/2011: Ingramzoo from Deltona, Fl: “My husband has been suffering from pterygiums in both eyes (benign wing like growths). We have been advised to have them removed since one of them is beginning to cross the pupil area. Does anyone have experience in treating these without surgery?”

Replies

08/22/2011: Patti from Moorestown, Nj replies: “I had a pterygium removed and it grew right back! I have them on all four sides, they say it’s genetic but no one in my family had ever heard of them. I was told that if it grew over my pupil, I wouldn’t be able to see, so I had the surgery and it was awful! I have been watching it since and it grew back but not any further than it was, so I’m leaving it alone. I don’t know what to do other than continual use of Refresh Tears or something like that to keep the eye moist; dry eye is part of it. My vision has changed b/c of it, but I still don’t need glasses. My advice is to have your husband look into anything that could keep him from having surgery. Good luck!”

02/12/2012: Farrlinn from Long Beach, Ca replies: “Hi, I wanted to know if the Castor Oil is still working for you? I’ve already had one surgery for an inflammed ptygerium and the recovery was horrific. I suffered for horrible scar tissue and ultimately sought Accupuncture to help with the pain/scar tissue. I got relief, but now I’m afraid it is growing back and I’m in a lot of pain. Any feedback is much appreciated.
Farrlinn”

03/31/2012: Clear from China, Guangdong replies: “Hi Farrlinn, Did you ever tried the Castor oil as what Mel did? I just bought CO in Hongkong today in Worldwide Plaza Fanda Pharmacy and I will try it tonight. I hope I could gain results. I will update this board for the development. My eye doctor says my Pterygium is still small and I have to wait until it grows bigger to have it remove by surgery but he said it will still come back in due time. Oh…
Regards, R..”

04/26/2012: Speedteq from Phoenix, Arizona, United States replies: “I have suffered from these for a number of years and everytime I went to the eye doctor they really never told me any details only that they weren’t harmful. After looking this up on the site and being a new user here I noticed there was quite a bit of detail and it all pointed to lubrication. I have recently started using 100% pure , Virgin Coconut oil to help with some other issues. I started to think about just how good of a lubricant this seemed to be so I tried a experiment and took a cotton swab and lubricated the corners of my eyes.
The result was my vision became slightly blurred as I would have expected and there was zero irritation that was my greatest concern and I was prepared to rinse my eyes. My eyes felt really good so I did this before bed. By morning the size had been reduced to over 1/2 and I could actually see such a huge improvement plus my eyes where visably whiter. The next evening I repeated the process and applied abit more to the corners of my eyes so the Coconut oil would migrate over and I did this once again before bed because it did make my vision blurred. In the morning the long time “bumps” were nearly gone and I am now going to repeat this for the third evening tonight with great expectation that my eyes will once again be clear.”

06/17/2012: Onceprettyeyes from Phoenix, Az replies: “Hi Speedteq: I am also in Phoenix and have a HORRIBLE pterygium in my right eye. How has the coconut oil been working for you? This is the first time I heard of castor oil or coconut oil being helpful- I thought that I’d have to have surgery. I am going to purchase coconut oil tomorrow and see how it works for me as well. I would love to hear back from you.”

08/26/2012: Clear81 from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China replies: “Hi Speedteq, How is your eye now? Any update? I just log on again after a few months and saw your post. I will try again tonight using virgin coconut oil and hope I will have improvement. Wish me luck.”

10/04/2012: Radhika from New Delhi, India replies: “hi speedteq, I developed pterygium in my left eye 9 years back and another one in my right eye around 2 years back. My doctor has advised me to undergo surgery and I am terrified just by the idea of undergoing surgery.. This is the first time I have ever heard or read about coconut oil and am going to try it tonight itself….. wish me luck and I hope it works the same for me as it did for you.”

01/03/2013: Sally from Dalian City, China replies: “hello everyone! I am so glad to find this site. Just like everybody, I’ve got pterygium too and I’ve been worried for the past months. I’ve been hoping for other ways to cure my eyes. I plan to go to the store now to find virgin coconut oil. I am very excited and I hope and pray that it is going to work.”

03/09/2011: Hugh from Miami, FL: “Need info. on removing my Pterygium”

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Apple Cider Vinegar

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Vinegar is a product of fermentation. This is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast. In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol. Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar. The word comes from the French, meaning “sour wine.” While vinegar can be made from all sorts of things — like many fruits, vegetables, and grains — apple cider vinegar comes from pulverized apples.

The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar, or any vinegar, is acetic acid. However, vinegars also have other acids, vitamins, mineral salts, and amino acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Cure for Everything?

While long used as a folk remedy, apple cider vinegar became well known in the U.S. in the late 1950s, when it was promoted in the best-selling book Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health by D. C. Jarvis. During thealternative medicine boom of recent years, apple cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar pills have become a popular dietary supplement.

Look on the back of a box of supplements — or on the Internet or in the pages of any one of the many books on vinegar and health — and you’ll find some amazing claims. Apple cider vinegar is purported to treat numerous diseases, health conditions, and annoyances. To name a few, it’s supposed to kill head lice, reverse aging, ease digestion, and wash toxins from the body.

Most of these claims have no evidence backing them up. Some — like vinegar’s supposed ability to treat lice or warts — have been studied, and researchers turned up nothing to support their use. Other claims have been backed up by studies, but with a catch: vinegar may work, but not as well as other treatments. For instance, while vinegar is a disinfectant, it doesn’t kill as many germs as common cleaners. And while vinegar does seem to help with jelly fish stings — an old folk remedy — hot water works better.

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Literature

2012 Nov;23(6):1931-2. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e318260eee4.

Traumatic blindness due to explosion during traditional vinegar production.

Gundeslioglu OA, Toksöz RM, Selimoglu N, Hanc M.

Pterygium and natural treatments (?): usually it cannot be removed naturally, though natural treatments may help prevent it from growing more. Demodex role