Pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye, is a common ocular surface disorder originating in the limbal conjunctiva within the palpebral fissure with progressive involvement of the cornea. The fibrovascular lesion occurs more often at the nasal limbus than the temporal limbus, adopting a characteristic wing-like appearance. In this article we will discuss the presentation of pterygium, its underlying pathophysiology and the diagnostic steps taken by clinicians to recognise pterygium as well as the management of these patients.