provided is a pterygium animal model produced by injecting human - derived pterygial epithelial cells that are isolated and cultured in vitro . the animal model has characteristics similar to those of pterygium , which are observed only in humans , wherein such characteristics are caused in such a way that pterygial epithelial cells are isolated from human pterygium corneal tissues and cultured , the cultured pterygial epithelial cells are sub - cultured , and human - derived pterygial epithelial cells of which identify is confirmed are injected into the nasal subconjunctival space of mice . the pterygium animal model allows a pterygium therapeutic agent to be effectively screened .