Taking the Red Out of Golfer’s Eyes: Pterygium & Vision Clarity at THE PLAYERS Championship 2025
Updated: March 14, 2025
Originally Published: May 12, 2011
As THE PLAYERS Championship 2025 takes center stage in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, from March 11-16, the world’s best golfers will compete under the bright Florida sun. While the excitement builds on the greens, there’s one crucial factor that shouldn’t be ignored—your eye health.
Golfers, both amateur and professional, spend countless hours exposed to the sun, wind, and elements, which can contribute to a common but often overlooked condition known as Pterygium, or “Golfer’s Eye.” This raised, wedge-shaped growth on the eye can cause redness, irritation, and even impact vision—making it more than just a cosmetic concern.
Pterygium: A Silent Hazard for Golfers
“Pterygium is prevalent among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those exposed to prolonged UV rays,” explains Dr. Arun Gulani, a world-renowned ophthalmologist and founder of Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville, FL.
Traditionally, treatments for Pterygium have been ineffective at completely preventing recurrence, leaving many golfers frustrated and self-conscious. However, Dr. Gulani has revolutionized Pterygium surgery with an advanced approach that aims for Cosmetic removal and restores the pristine, white appearance of the eye—enhancing both vision and confidence.
The Gulani “Iceberg” Concept: Going Beyond the Surface
Dr. Gulani refers to his approach as the “Iceberg Concept”, highlighting that the visible Pterygium is just the tip of the problem. “The real issue runs deeper, and unless you address the full extent of the growth, it will return,” he explains.
Using diamond surgical instruments (invented by Dr. Gulani himself) and a no-stitch, glue-based technique, his procedure also integrates an advanced human placenta graft, promoting natural healing while eliminating irritation and redness almost immediately.
How Vision Affects Performance at THE PLAYERS Championship
Golf is a precision sport where depth perception, clarity, and contrast sensitivity can make or break a game. If your eye is irritated, watery, or inflamed due to Pterygium, it can be a major distraction. Pro golfers like Donnie Hammond and Kenny Knox, along with countless local and international players, have undergone Dr. Gulani’s innovative surgery to regain not only their vision but also their competitive edge.
One such patient, Louis Ballantyne, had a Pterygium growth that nearly reached his pupil. “After surgery, my vision improved dramatically. I can now track my golf ball for over 100 yards—something I struggled with before. More importantly, I no longer feel discomfort or get asked, ‘What’s wrong with your eye?’ Now, we talk about my game instead.”
A Winning Look for the Greens
In the high-stakes world of golf, first impressions matter. Whether it’s negotiating a putt or engaging in friendly conversation at the clubhouse, red, irritated eyes shouldn’t be part of the equation. Former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman agrees: “Excellent vision is crucial to gaining an upper hand on your opponent. In my book, Dr.Gulani is Number One!”
Bringing the Future of Pterygium Surgery to the World
Dr. Gulani’s pioneering work has made Jacksonville, FL, a global destination for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking permanent Pterygium removal. He recently taught his advanced techniques to eye surgeons at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and continues to educate specialists Worldwide, ensuring his groundbreaking approach reaches patients worldwide.
As THE PLAYERS Championship 2025 unfolds, don’t let Pterygium be a distraction on or off the course. Clear vision, white eyes, and sharper performance can be yours. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gulani and take the red out of your eyes—Look Good , and See Good!
For more information or to book your consultation, contact Gulani Vision Institute today.
Gulani Publications:
- Gulani AC. The ART of Pterygium Surgery. Textbook of Eye Surgery. 1st ed. Thieme Medical Publishers. Stuttgart, Germany.2020
- Gulani AC. Simultaneous pterygium and cataract surgery. J Postgrad Med 1995; 41:8-11.
- Gulani AC, Gulani AA. Cosmetic Pterygium Surgery: Techniques and Long-Term Outcomes. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2020; 14:1681-1687
- Gulani, AC. Sutureless Amniotic Surgery for Pterygium: Cosmetic Outcomes for Ocular Surface Surgery. Techniques in Ophthalmology 2008;6(2):41-44.
- Gulani, AC. A Cornea-Friendly Pterygium Procedure. Review of Ophthalmology, 52-56; June 2012.
- Gulani AC. Gulani Iceberg Technique: Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today Europe. 2014;9:48-49.
- Gulani, Arun. Raising the Bar on Pterygium and Pinguecula Surgery. Ophthalmology Times Vol 40, No.6 (2015): 24-30.