{"id":5452,"date":"2020-05-31T18:52:17","date_gmt":"2020-05-31T18:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=5452"},"modified":"2021-12-13T14:22:56","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T14:22:56","slug":"pinguecula-and-pterygium","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-corneal-diseases\/pinguecula-and-pterygium\/","title":{"rendered":"Pinguecula and Pterygium"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pingueculae and pterygia are benign growths that appear on the eye\u2019s conjunctiva, the clear covering over the white part of your eye.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is a pinguecula?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A pinguecula<\/a> (plural pingueculae)\u00a0 is a small, yellowish raised growth, that develops with a triangular protrusion near the cornea. It usually develops on the side of the eye near your nose, but can grow on the other side too. A pinguecula is usually small in size but can grow larger over time\u2014 though this is rare.<\/p>\n

It can develop at any age, but tends to be more common in middle aged adults.<\/p>\n

What causes a pinguecula to develop?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A pinguecula occurs<\/a> when deposits containing protein, fat and\/or calcium, form on the tissue of the conjunctiva.<\/p>\n

The exact cause of pinguecula has yet to be discovered, but there is a correlation between excessive unprotected exposure to sunlight, wind, dryness and dust.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of pinguecula<\/b><\/h2>\n

A pinguecula may not cause any symptoms, or may cause the following mild <\/b>symptoms:<\/p>\n