ConditionEyes & vision
Pinguecula
A pinguecula is a small, raised, yellowish or white bump on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane over the white of the eye, usually on the side closest to the nose. It is a non-cancerous buildup of protein, fat or calcium caused mainly by long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, wind and dust. It is very common in adults who spend time outdoors. Most cause no symptoms or only mild irritation and need no treatment beyond lubricating drops and sun protection.
Also called: Conjunctival pinguecula, pingueculae (plural)
At a glance
- What it is
- A benign yellowish bump on the white of the eye, next to the cornea.
- Cause
- UV light, wind, dust and dry conditions damaging conjunctival tissue.
- Symptoms
- Often none. Sometimes dryness, grittiness, redness or a visible spot.
- Pingueculitis
- An inflamed, red, sore pinguecula.
- Treatment
- Lubricating drops, sunglasses, short steroid drops for inflammation, rarely surgery.
When to get help
See a doctor within a day or two
- A bump on the eye that is growing quickly, bleeding, has visible blood vessels feeding it, or is dark in color
- Severe eye pain, sensitivity to light or blurred vision
Book a routine appointment
- A spot on the white of the eye that is red, sore or irritated for more than a few days
- A bump that is spreading onto the clear cornea (possible pterygium)
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses because of a bump
Usually safe to manage at home
- A small yellowish spot with mild dryness: use preservative-free artificial tears and wear UV-blocking sunglasses
What a pinguecula looks like
- a small, slightly raised, yellow, white or gray patch on the white of the eye
- usually at the 3 or 9 o'clock position, next to the colored part of the eye
- most often on the nasal side
- often in both eyes
- it does not grow onto the cornea
Causes and risk factors
The conjunctiva near the cornea is exposed when the eyes are open. Repeated exposure causes degeneration of collagen fibers and buildup of deposits. Risk factors:
- long-term sun exposure, especially in sunny climates or at high altitude
- outdoor work: farming, fishing, construction, landscaping
- wind, dust, sand and dry air
- older age
- dry eye
- welding without eye protection
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms and notice the spot in a mirror. When present:
- dryness, burning or a gritty sensation
- a feeling that something is in the eye
- mild redness around the spot
- itching
- discomfort with contact lenses
Pingueculitis
Sometimes the pinguecula becomes inflamed, especially after sun, wind or dry conditions. It turns red, swollen and sore. This usually settles with lubricating drops and, if needed, a short course of anti-inflammatory drops.
Pinguecula vs pterygium
| Pinguecula | Pterygium | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellowish raised bump | Wedge-shaped, fleshy, often with visible blood vessels |
| Location | White of the eye only | Grows onto the cornea |
| Effect on vision | None | Can cause astigmatism and block vision if large |
| Cause | Sun, wind, dust | Same, often in the same people |
| Treatment | Usually none | Surgery if growing or affecting vision |
A pinguecula can occasionally develop into a pterygium.
Other conditions to rule out
- conjunctival nevus: a pigmented spot, which is usually harmless but should be monitored
- conjunctival tumors, which are rare and may grow, bleed or have abnormal vessels
- episcleritis: a red, mildly tender patch of inflammation
- conjunctivitis: redness and discharge over the whole eye
- Gaucher disease and other rare conditions can cause pinguecula-like spots
An eye doctor can tell them apart with a slit-lamp examination.
Diagnosis
An optometrist or ophthalmologist diagnoses a pinguecula with a slit-lamp examination. No other tests are usually needed. Photographs may be taken to monitor size.
Treatment
- artificial tears or lubricating gels for dryness and irritation, preservative-free if used often
- cool compresses for discomfort
- short course of steroid or NSAID eye drops for pingueculitis, prescribed by an eye doctor
- surgical removal is rarely needed. It may be considered if the pinguecula causes persistent discomfort, interferes with contact lens wear or blinking, or for cosmetic reasons. It can recur
- thermal laser treatment is offered in some clinics for cosmetic removal
Prevention
- wear wraparound sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days
- wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- use protective eyewear in wind, dust and when welding
- use lubricating drops in dry environments
Frequently asked questions
What is a pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a small, yellowish, raised bump on the white of the eye, next to the cornea. It is a harmless buildup of protein, fat or calcium caused mainly by long-term sun, wind and dust exposure. It is common in adults who spend time outdoors.
Is a pinguecula dangerous?
No. A pinguecula is benign and does not affect vision or turn into cancer. It can become inflamed and irritated at times. See an eye doctor if a spot grows quickly, changes color, bleeds or spreads onto the cornea.
What is the difference between a pinguecula and a pterygium?
A pinguecula stays on the white of the eye and looks like a yellowish bump. A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth with blood vessels that grows onto the cornea and can affect vision. Both are linked to sun exposure.
How do you get rid of a pinguecula?
Most do not need removal. Lubricating eye drops and sun protection relieve symptoms. A short course of anti-inflammatory drops helps if it becomes inflamed. Surgery is rarely needed and is reserved for persistent discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
Can a pinguecula go away on its own?
A pinguecula usually does not disappear completely, but it often stays small and causes no problems. Redness and irritation from inflammation typically settle within days to weeks with lubricating drops and avoiding sun, wind and dust.
Sources
This guide was written from current patient and clinical guidance, including:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: What are pinguecula and pterygium?
- American Optometric Association: Pinguecula
- MedlinePlus: Pinguecula
- National Eye Institute: Protecting your eyes from the sun
- Cleveland Clinic: Pinguecula