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Pinguecula is a bit odd. Do you ever see a little, yellowish lesion on the white part of your eye which is close to the cornea? It is usually not painful but it is very weird? Yes, that is pinguecula. It might sound really serious and bogus but mostly, it is far from dangerous. However, not attending to it could cause some issues like cosmetic issues, irritation and further complications.
Let’s find out 7 shocking facts about pinguecula starting from its causative factors and down to when to get checked by an optician.
A pinguecula is known as a benign tumor that grows on the conjunctiva which is known as the slim membrane that covers the white section of your eye a.k.a sclera. It is usually present close to the nose but it can appear in the outer part of the nose too.
It had the following features:
- A flat or sometimes raised look
- A tiny, swelled yellow bump
- Sometimes rough or dry
Pingueculae, which is the plural of pinguecula, doesn’t appear over the colored section of the eye which is the cornea. If that happens, it might be a completely different case known as pterygium.
Pinguecula can be gotten from various environmental factors such as:
- No sunglasses to protect from harsh sunlight
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays
- Dust particles
- Dry or windy weather
- Severe irritation of the eye or inflammation
This is the main reason why it is termed as a Surfer’s Eye, despite the fact that you don’t necessarily need to be around an ocean to have this condition.
Something fun to note is that Pinguecula happens much more frequently in people that are in close range to the equator or do outdoor jobs without the proper shield from the sun.
There are a lot of people that have pinguecula but they don’t experience any symptoms. However, in particular cases, it can bring about:
- Issues with contact lenses
- Inflammation or redness of the eye
- The feeling of something foreign being in your eye
- Burning or itching sensation
- Dryness of the eyes or constant tearing
- Eyes being very sensitive to any form of light
Mostly, these symptoms get worse in sunny, dry or dusty weather.
Practise Tip:
In the situation that you notice your eyes getting irritated and a yellow bump, you need to log all your symptoms. Notice if it gets bad after you get exposed to sun or your phone screen. This will enable the optician know how bad it is or what causes it.
A slit lamp microscope is usually used to do an eye examination all for a diagnosis. It is not necessary to do tests that are invasive.
Either your ophthalmologist or optometrist is meant to check for:
- Any signs of inflammation
- Where the bump is located
- If it causes issues with your sight
- The state of its growth
Pinguecula can be easily identified from other eye conditions but it is necessary to check for conjunctivitis, pterygium or unique tumors if there is a growth.
Except pingueculae gets really inflamed or irritated, a lot of them don’t require treatment.
- Sunglasses: This helps to shield your eyesight from windy weather and UV rays
- Hydrating eye drops: This helps to done down dryness of the eyes and any discomfort whatsoever.
- Surgery: You mostly don’t need it but it is only requires when you have recoccuring inflammation, if it obstructs your vision, and if you got affected severely by cosmetic procedures.
- Anti-inflammatory drops: This has to be prescribed for you and it reduces redness of the eye and swelling.
By following the below steps, you can help tone down the risk of pinguecula:
- For people living in dry areas, make use of humidifiers
- Put on sunglasses that help to block out UV rays Use lubricating drops in dry or windy environments
- If you work in environments that are really dusty, wear protective glasses
- Direct exposure to smoke, dust, or wind should be avoided
If you happen to see a pinguecula, don’t be too worried but don’t overlook it too.
You have to get checked up if:
- Persistent and constant inflammation
- Quick or fast growth
- Blurry eyesight
- Issues with wearing contact lenses
- Redness, swelling or pain
Note that you might think you have pinguecula butcit might just be another condition called pterygium, hence it is necessary to undergo a proper medical examination.
No. It isn’t a contagious condition so if it can’t be contacted by others.
No. Pinguecula isn’t known to impact your eyesight except it gets very inflamed and turns into a pterygium.
No. As soon as it is spotted, you can’t get rid of pinguecula but you can maintain it with the right care plan.
Yes but if your eyes get irritated, you might need to start using glasses or use another alternative. Check in with your ophthalmologist first.
Pinguecula is a yellow lesion on the white part of your eye, that doesn’t appear on the cornea while pterygium can be known as a growth that is triangular and can cover the cornea and impact your eyesight.
A pinguecula might seem really small but it reflects your surroundings, way of life and health habits. It is not harmful but it shouldn’t be overlooked either. You can maintain your eyesight by using the proper preventive care like enough hydration, UV Protection and routine eye checkups.
If you are not sure, you can also visit your ophthalmologist to be certain.