Background: Pterygium is a sun-related ocular surface disease secondary to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Outdoor occupational UV exposure is known to occur secondary to sun exposure. We present a unique case of pterygium associated with indoor occupational light-emitting diode (LED) exposure not previously described in the literature.

Case Description: A mobile phone repairer presented with blurred vision and a superotemporal pterygium of his dominant left eye associated with a magnifying glass LED work lamp was diagnosed. This was excised routinely with conjunctival autografting to the defect. Histopathology confirmed benign pterygium and recovery was uncomplicated with resolution of blur.

Conclusions: The development of pterygium in our patient may have arisen due to the LED lamp’s wavelengths possibly falling within the UV as well as the upper end of the visible light radiation spectrum. Given the increasing reliance on LED light sources in modern life, ocular conditions arising from exposure to these radiation sources may now need to be listed in the differential diagnoses of patients with pterygium. Appropriate UV protection counselling for these types of lights may also now need to be considered.