Pinguecula is a swelling in the mucosa of the eye, close to the edge of the cornea. A pinguecula is pale yellow colored and usually emerges at the nasal side of the eye. The condition is benign and does not grow into the cornea. It is common in a large portion of the population, especially in people who are outdoors often.
Cause
The exact cause of pinguecula is not known. Factors which seem to influence the development of this condition are:
- Exposure to sunlight (UV light).
- Dehydration of the tear layer.
- Welding.
Pinguecula seems to be formed due to an accumulation of proteins.
Symptoms
Pinguecula is a harmless condition and is usually unnoticed. However, the eye may sometimes be red more quickly and feel irritated at the side of the pinguecula. A person can have an abrasive feeling, as if there were sand or rough particles in the eye. Wearing contact lenses can be problematic, because the contact lens touches the thickening. The symptoms caused by the condition may be mild or severe. The size of a pinguecula can range from a small vesicle to a coverage of the entire white of the eye.
Diagnosis
The ophthalmologist can determine the diagnosis of pinguecula on the basis of the appearance and the location of the condition.
Treatment
Generally, no treatment is required for pinguecula. When the eye gets irritated by pinguecula or becomes inflamed (this rarely happens), it may be necessary to treat the eye with artificial tears and/or anti-inflammatory drops. If the eye drops have insufficient effect, or if the patient has cosmetic problems with the pinguecula, surgical correction may be considered. Such a procedure is particularly important if a pinguecula:
- Grows over the cornea, as this can affect vision.
- Causes extreme discomfort when a person is trying to wear contact lenses.
- Is constantly severely inflamed, even after a person has used eye drops or eye ointment.
Prognosis
Pinguecula usually causes no problems, but it can slowly enlarge. A surgical procedure usually doesn’t lead to complications, although the pinguecula might grow back again afterwards. The doctor can provide medication or superficial radiation therapy in order to prevent this.
Considerations
- If a person spends a lot of time outdoors for work or hobbies, he or she is more likely to get pinguecula. One can, however, help prevent these growths by wearing sunglasses outdoors. It’s advisable to have sunglasses with a coating that blocks the ultraviolet A and B rays of the sun. Sunglasses also protect the eyes from wind and other outdoor elements, such as sand.
- Keeping the eyes moist with artificial tears can also help to prevent pinguecula.
- If a person works in a dry, dusty environment, he or she must wear protective goggles.
