Olivia Ponton, Joe Burrow's partner, reveals a health issue and is considering surgery
The model said she was diagnosed with pterygium, an eye condition known as "surfer's eye."
Olivia Ponton shared a health update that caught her followers’ attention. The model and influencer, romantically linked to Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, revealed that she has pterygium, an eye condition that may require surgery in certain cases.
The young woman said she received the diagnosis after going to the optometrist and showed her new glasses on Instagram. As she explained, she bought three pairs and, for the time being, prefers to avoid surgery. Her intention is to delay that possibility as much as possible.
What health problem does Olivia Ponton have?
Pterygium, popularly known as "surfer's eye" , is a benign tissue growth that appears on the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye. In some cases, it can extend toward the cornea, cause discomfort, and affect vision.
The condition is usually related to prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, wind, and dust . Although its name refers to surfers, it is not exclusive to those who practice that sport.
Her relationship with water sports
The common name of the condition has a particular nuance in Ponton's story. The model grew up in Naples, Florida, a coastal town where she developed her love for water activities from an early age. In various interviews, she said that she practiced water skiing for nine years and even competed with other teams in the state.
In November 2024, during a conversation on the Post Run High podcast, she recalled that water skiing had been an important part of her childhood. She also explained that she practiced track and field during that stage. However, there is no confirmed information directly linking her diagnosis to the practice of water sports.
Will she have to undergo surgery?
Surgery is one of the alternatives for treating pterygium, but not all patients need an operation. Specialists usually recommend it when the growth advances onto the cornea, affects vision, or causes significant discomfort that does not improve with other treatments.
In Ponton's case, the degree of progression of the condition is not known, nor is there a scheduled date for a possible operation. The model has also not stated that her doctors have established an immediate need to operate.
The news also sparked interest because of her connection to Joe Burrow . The two have been romantically linked since late 2024 and were seen together on different occasions, including a Cincinnati Bengals training session in August 2026. However, neither has publicly confirmed that they are in a relationship.
