Pinguecula and Pterygium is a raised growth on your eye’s conjunctiva or the white part of the eyes. If the growth is confined to just the conjunctiva, this would be called Pinguecula. If the growth is wedged or triangular-shaped growing from either corner of the eye and spread outward to the cornea or the clear part of your eye, this would be called Pterygium also known as Surfer’s eye. The size will depend on the blood vessels running to the cornea. Most cases for both conditions usually grow from the corner closest to your nose.

Risk Factors

• Continuous exposure to Ultraviolet light (UV)from sunlight

• Chronic eye dryness and irritation

Symptoms

Pinguecula

• Small white or yellow growth in white part of the eye

• Dryness

• Redness

Pterygium

• Wedge-shaped growth that extends onto the cornea

• Irritation

• Redness

• Feeling of having something in the eye

• Late symptoms include increased in the size of lesion and blurred or double vision

Treatment

Treatment for both Pinguecula and Pterygium depends on the severity of the disease. If the size is small and symptoms are mild, no significant irritations and normal vision, preventing further disease progression is recommended by protecting the eyes from UV exposure. Sunglasses are important in protection against UV exposure.

If signs of inflammation are seen, your Ophthalmologist may prescribe a topical eye solution to alleviate the irritation and other symptoms. In case, Pterygium extended further into cornea with an increased size and inflammation, Ophthalmologist may recommend surgical treatment in Outpatient setting which takes around 30 minutes and rest for observation around 3-6 around on case-by-case basis. 

When to see a doctor?

If you notice any change in vision or think you might have pinguecula or pterygium, make an appointment to your Ophthalmologist to confirm diagnosis whether it requires just monitoring, symptomatic treatment with medication, or surgical treatment.