
What is a pinguecula?
13 January 2023
A pinguecula is a benign, or non-cancerous, growth that develops in the eye. It occurs in the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the white part of the eye. It can appear at any age, but occurs mostly in middle-aged and older people. These growths rarely need to be removed and, in most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Pinguecula is yellowish in color and is usually triangular in shape. It is a small raised spot that grows near the cornea, the transparent layer covering the pupil and iris. Some may become large, but this occurs at a very slow rate and is rare.
A pinguecula forms when the conjunctival tissue changes and creates a small bump. Some of these bumps contain fat, calcium or both. The change is due to lifelong sun exposure, which causes degeneration of the abundant elastin fibers in the conjunctival tissue. Tissue alteration is related to frequent exposure to dust or wind.
A pinguecula can make your eye feel irritated or dry. It may also give the sensation of having something in the eye, such as sand or other rough particles. The affected eye may itch or become red and inflamed. These symptoms of pinguecula can be mild or severe.
An ophthalmologist is the professional who diagnoses this condition based on the appearance and location of the condition. Pinguecula and pterygium are fibrovascular growths of the conjunctiva which are produced by aggressive elements, such as ultraviolet rays, environmental pollution, etc. However, they are not alike: pterygiums are fleshy tissue growths, while pingueculae are yellowish growths.
Pterygiums are more likely to grow on the cornea than pinguecula. A former pinguecula growing on the corneal surface has become a pterygium.