Pterygium

What is a pinguecula and a pterygium?

Pinguecula and pterygium are growths on the conjunctiva of the eye.

The pinguecula is a yellowish growth on the conjunctiva. It is usually located on the side of the eye closest to the nose, although it can happen on the opposite side. The pinguecula is a deposit of protein, fat or calcium.

A pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue (composed of blood vessels) that can begin as a pinguecula. It may stay small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea. When this happens, it can affect your vision.

Both pinguecula and pterygium are believed to be caused by a combination of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, wind, or dust.

How to avoid having a pinguecula and a pterygium

If you’ve had a pinguecula or pterygium at least once before, try to avoid exposure to things that cause these growths. For example:

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light.
Protect your eyes from dust by wearing protective glasses or goggles.
Use artificial tears when your eyes are dry

Symptoms of pinguecula and pterygium

Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, mostly when the pterygium grows.
A yellowish spot or bump on the white part of the eye.
Dry, itchy, and burning eyes.
Sensation of sand or gravel in the eye.
Blurry vision.

Pinguecula Treatment

Lubricating eye drops can help relieve irritation caused by pinguecula.

They also help relieve the uncomfortable feeling of having something in your eye. If the pinguecula causes redness and swelling of the eye, your doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops.

Eye drops can usually relieve any pinguecula discomfort, and surgery is generally not recommended or necessary.

Pterygium treatment
Your ophthalmologist may treat the discomfort, redness, or swelling of a pterygium with lubricating or steroid eye drops.

If the pterygium grows large enough to cause problems, your ophthalmologist will likely recommend surgery to remove it. Once the pterygium is removed, the surgeon can transplant a thin piece of normal tissue into the affected area. This technique helps decrease the chances of a pterygium growing back.

The best way to prevent pinguecula and pterygium from coming back is to avoid sunlight, dryness, and dust.