Primary pterygium is a common ocular surface disease. Although there is no consensus on its pathogenesis, recent evidence suggests that it is a proliferative, rather than degenerative condition strongly correlated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of solar light. Although pterygium management has traditionally involved surgery, often enhanced by the use of antimetabolites, recent advancements in the understanding of molecular and biochemical events underlying pterygium pathogenesis may enable the use of less invasive treatment methods.