A pinguecula is a benign growth on the white of the eye.
Zarina Lukash / Getty Images
What Is a Pinguecula?
Pingueculas are benign, which means they are relatively harmless, though they can cause irritation.
Zarina Lukash / Getty Images
The name pinguecula comes from the Latin word pinguis, which means fat or grease.
This includes looking at the eye with a slit lamp.
Some pterygia start as a pinguecula.
These types of drops are calledartificial tears.
They can help ease irritation or foreign body sensation.
Use the cold compress for up to 20 minutes at a time and reapply it every two hours.
They may also recommend eye drops to keep your eye lubricated in dry conditions.
How do you get rid of a pinguecula?
An eyecare provider may perform surgery to remove a pinguecula for cosmetic reasons or if there are severe symptoms.
However, there is a chance of scarring after surgery.
Prognosis
Over time, a pinguecula can become larger.
Can a pinguecula go away by itself?
A pinguecula will not go away on its own.
Prevention
you’re able to prevent pingueculas by wearing eye protection when you’re outdoors.
Healthcare providers recommend wrap-around, UV protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Summary
A pinguecula is a benign growth that does not threaten your vision.
It appears as a yellowish, raised growth and is usually on the side closest to your nose.
Exposure to the sun and to irritants such as dust can raise your risk of developing a pinguecula.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms from a pinguecula.
Using wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear can help to avoid the growth of a pinguecula in the future.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Six things to know about pinguecula and pterygium.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is a pinguecula and a pterygium?
2021;22(21):12090. doi:10.3390/ijms222112090
Michigan Medicine.Pinguecula (yellow bump on eye).
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pinguecula and pterygium.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Conjunctival melanoma: Rare but deadly.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Pinguecula and pterygium (surfer’s eye) treatment.
Somnath A, Tripathy K.Pinguecula.
Updated February 14, 2021.
