Pterygium is a triangular thickening of the bulbar conjunctiva extending from the inner canthus to the border of the cornea with the apex toward the pupil. This thickening is similar to a pinguecula.

The condition is considered to be an occurrence related to irritation from ultraviolet light, and a dry, and windy environment. The condition commonly occurs in people who spend much of their time out-of-doors in dusty, sunny, or windblown environments.

The condition is manifested by a nodule of hyaline and elastic tissue more commonly on the nasal side of the cornea, bilateral, and in the area of the palpebral aperture.

Tests may include: visual field, visual acuity, ophthalmoscopy, pupil examination, peripheral vision testing, and slit lamp.

If the pterygium enlarges and encroaches on the pupillary area, it may be removed surgically.

In order to prevent recurrences, protective glasses should be worn especially by those who work out-of-doors.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

• Consider entitlement to specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101(a)(2)(A)(i) if there is visual impairment to the degree specified in 38 CFR 3.809(b)(2).

• The veteran, spouse, surviving spouse or parent will be considered in need of regular aid and attendance if he or she is blind or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less (38 CFR 3.351(c)(1)).

• Consider entitlement to automobile allowance and/or automobile adaptive equipment if there is visual impairment to the degree specified in 38 CFR 3.808(b)(3).

• For the purposes of evaluation under 38 CFR 4.79, an incapacitating episode is an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes.

• Examples of treatment may include but are not limited to: Systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents; intravitreal or periocular injections; laser treatments; or other surgical interventions.

• For the purposes of evaluating visual impairment due to the particular condition, refer to 38 CFR 4.75, 38 CFR 4.76, 38 CFR 4.77, 38 CFR 4.78,  and  38 CFR 4.79, diagnostic codes 6061-6091.

• Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350.