What is a pinguecula or pterygium

• -Pinguecula and pterygium are growths on your eye’s conjunctiva, the clear covering over the white part of the eye.
Pinguecula is a yellowish, raised growth on the conjunctiva. It’s usually on the side of the eye near your nose, but can happen on the other side too. A pinguecula may contain deposits of protein, fat, or calcium.
• -Pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue (has blood vessels) that may start as a pinguecula. It can remain 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) light from the sun, wind and dust.

Avoiding pinguecula and pterygium

lf you have had a pinguecula or a pterygium at least once before, try to avoid the things that cause these growths. Here are some ways:

• -wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light
• -protect your eyes from dust by wearing glasses or goggles
• -use artificial tears when your eyes are dry

Symptoms of pinguecula and pterygium can range from mild to severe. They include:

• -redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, mostly while the pterygium grows
• -a yellow spot or bump on the white of your eye
• -dry, itchy, burning eyes. Or feeling like sand or grit is stuck in your eye
• -blurry vision

» Pterygium Information