PINGUECULA AND PTERYGIUM

Pterygium and pinguecula are growths on the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and the conjunctiva — the thin, filmy membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera). Both growths are noncancerous and are fairly common.

A pinguecula (above) is a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva, near the cornea. It most often appears on the side of the eye closest to the nose. It is a change in the normal tissue that results in a deposit of protein, fat and/or calcium. It is similar to a callus on the skin.

A pterygium is a triangular-shaped growth of fleshy tissue on the white of the eye that eventually extends over the cornea. This growth may remain small or grow large enough to interfere with vision. A pterygium can often develop from a pinguecula.

Some pterygia may become red and swollen on occasion, and some may become large or thick, making you feel like you have something in your eye. If a pterygium is large enough, it can actually affect the shape of the cornea’s surface, leading to astigmatism.

It is not entirely clear what causes pterygia and pingueculae to develop. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is believed to be a factor in the development of these growths. Other factors believed to cause pterygia and pingueculae are dry eye and environmental elements such as wind and dust.

Pinguecula and Pterygium Symptoms

In most people, the first sign of a pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva, usually on the side of the eye closest to the nose.

A pinguecula usually has few symptoms, however, if it becomes irritated, you may feel as if you have something in your eye. In some cases, pingueculae become swollen and inflamed. Irritation and eye redness may occur, particularly if you are significantly exposed to sun, wind, dust or a very dry environment.

With a pterygium, some people may have no symptoms other than the growth appearing. For others, especially those who have a pterygium that is growing, there can be redness, inflammation or both.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Itching
• Burning
• Gritty feeling
• Feeling of having foreign material in your eye

Pinguecula and Pterygium Diagnosis and Treatment

An ophthalmologist can diagnose pterygia and pingueculae through an examination using a slit-lamp. This device allows your Eye M.D. to closely examine the eye’s cornea, iris, lens and the space between the iris and cornea. The doctor is able to closely examine the eye in small sections, making it easier to see abnormalities.

Pterygia and pingueculae generally don’t require treatment until symptoms are severe enough. When pingueculae or pterygium become red and irritated, lubricating eyedrops or ointments or possibly a mild steroid eye drop may be used to help reduce inflammation.

If these growths become large enough to threaten sight or cause persistent discomfort, they can be removed surgically by an eye surgeon in an outpatient procedure. They are also sometimes removed for cosmetic reasons.

For milder pterygia, a topical anaesthetic can be used before surgery to numb the eye’s surface. Your eyelids will be kept open while the pterygium is surgically removed. After the procedure, which usually lasts no longer than half an hour depending on the type of surgery done to remove the pterygium, you likely will need to wear an eye patch for protection for a day or two. You should be able to return to work or normal activities the next day. Note that pterygium removal can cause astigmatism or worsen the condition in people who already have this refractive error.

After removal of the pterygium, steroid eye drops may be used for several weeks to decrease swelling and prevent regrowth.

Despite proper surgical removal, pterygium may return. In fact, the recurrence rate is between 30 and 40 percent, and is more likely among people under age 40. To prevent regrowth after surgery, your eye surgeon may suture or glue a piece of surface eye tissue onto the affected area. This method, called autologous conjunctival autografting, has a low recurrence rate. Medications that prevent tissue growth are sometimes used to help prevent recurrences of pinguecula or pterygium.

The best way to avoid recurrence of pinguecula or pterygium after treatment is to limit exposure to the environmental factors that contribute to their growth.

• Adequately protect your eyes from excessive UV light with proper, wraparound sunglasses.
• Protect your eyes in dry, dusty conditions with proper eyewear.
• Apply artificial tears to your eyes in dry conditions.