Pterygium is traditionally considered a degenerative disease of the conjunctiva. Recent findings suggest that it may be a proliferative disease, and although the characterization is less clear, the timing and indications for surgery are consistent: the pterygium invades the cornea and is about to cover the pupillary area, which is a more appropriate time for surgery. Surgery is recommended even if the body of the pterygium is congested, hypertrophic, and growing rapidly with a heavy inflammatory response, even if it has not yet invaded the pupillary area of the cornea. Corneal contact lenses, which are required and cannot be worn because of the pterygium factor, can also be operated on.