Pterygium is a relatively common disease of the eye surface. Its clinical aspects and treatment methods have been studied for many years, but there are still many uncertainties, as in other diseases. The main pathological mechanisms in the development of pterygium remain interesting to researchers. In addition to the refractive properties of pterygium removal, the role of pterygium in corneal disorders is increasingly recognized in many studies. The association between pterygium and ocular surface neoplasia challenges traditional notions of the safe profile of this disease. The need for a comprehensive clinical classification system has helped to homogenize studies and predict the frequency of recurrence of pterygium after surgical removal. The development of surgical techniques is associated with some complications, the diagnosis and treatment of which are essential for ophthalmic surgeons. According to the review, ultraviolet radiation remains the main risk factor for the development of pterygium. A key part of the clinical evaluation should be to distinguish between typical and atypical pterygium, the latter of which may be associated with increased risk of ocular surface neoplasia. The effect of the pterygium on astigmatism and corneal aberration may require early removal to reduce secondary refractive errors.