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Pinguecula

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A pinguecula is a fairly common degenerative nodule of the conjunctiva. It is yellow and is composed of hyaline and elastic tissue. More commonly, they arise on the nasal side of the cornea but both sides may be affected. It may be associated with exposure to wind and dust.

The pinguecula is usually asymptomatic.

  • some pinguecula may cause mild irritation - this generally can be successfully treated with ocular lubricants
  • pingueculitis may occur when there is significant inflammation - this responds to topical steroid treatment

Pingueculae do not threaten sight and so should be distinguished from pterygia.

Note that pterygia and pingueculae are both benign growths on the surface of the eye - the only distinguishing difference is that pterygia grow over the edge of the cornea


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