Pinguecula
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
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page