Pinguecula: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Does Pinguecula Look Like?

A pinguecula will look like a yellowish growth on the white of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. A pinguecula will grow on the outer corners of the conjunctiva, near the ear, or on the inner conjunctiva, near the nose. The image below shows a pinguecula growing on the inner corner of a conjunctiva.

What is the Other Term for Pinguecula?

There is no other term for pinguecula. The name pinguecula originates from the term pinguis which is Latin for fat or grease, according to Somnath and Tripathy in the article Pinguecula for the National Library of Medicine.

What Age Does Pinguecula Usually Appear?

Pinguecula is an eye condition that becomes more likely to appear or develop the older a person gets. According to Somnath and Tripathy in the article Pinguecula for the National Library of Medicine, almost all individuals will show signs of pinguecula by the age of 80.

How Long Does Pinguecula or Yellow Spot in the Eye Last?

A pinguecula, which has the appearance of a yellowish spot on the eye’s conjunctiva, will generally last until it is treated. A pinguecula can exist on the conjunctiva with little to no symptoms and may not need treatment. However, if the pinguecula begins to grow, affects vision or causes irritation, an eye care professional may suggest treatment such as eye drops or eye ointment. It can take a few days to a few weeks for eye drops or eye ointment for pinguecula to work.

1. Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure

Ultraviolet radiation exposure is thought to be a cause of pinguecula. Ultraviolet radiation is a type of radiation that is emitted from the sun. According to the Cancer Council, UV radiation is made up of UVA and UVB rays, which can penetrate the skin and cause lasting damage to skin cells, as well as cause eye damage. This exposure to UV radiation may cause a change in the conjunctiva, which can lead to pinguecula.

2. Older Age

Older age is a risk factor for the development of pinguecula. The older a person gets, the more likely they are to develop pinguecula. This can be due to long-term UV radiation or exposure to environmental irritants. By the age of 80, most individuals will show signs of pinguecula, according to the article Pinguecula by Somnath and Tripathy.

3. Eye Irritation Caused by Dust and Wind

Eye irritation that is caused by exposure to environmental factors such as wind and dust may be a cause of pinguecula. The irritation that elements such as dust, wind and dry climates can have on the eye may contribute to a change in the conjunctiva, leading to pinguecula.

Can Alcohol Cause Pinguecula?

Alcohol does not generally cause pinguecula, with the most common causes of this eye condition being ultraviolet radiation exposure and eye irritation caused by dust and wind. However, a 2010 study by Viso, Gude and Rodríguez-Ares called the Prevalence of pinguecula and pterygium in a general population in Spain, concluded that alcohol consumption was strongly associated with pinguecula in this population.

1. A Yellowish Spot on the Conjunctiva

A yellowish spot on the conjunctiva is one of the main symptoms of pinguecula. A yellowish spot refers to the build-up of fatty, protein or calcium deposits that occur as the result of a change to the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye. A pinguecula can occur on the side of the conjunctiva near the ear, or on the side nearest the nose.

2. Itchy, Gritty, Swollen, or Red Eyes

Itchy, gritty, swollen or red eyes are possible symptoms of pinguecula, caused by the way the growth affects the conjunctiva of the eye. A pinguecula grows on the conjunctiva, commonly known as the whites of the eyes. The conjunctiva is a clear layer that protects and lubricates the eye by creating mucus and tears, according to Shumway, Motlagh and Wade in Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Conjunctiva. The pinguecula may disrupt the production of tears or mucus, which may lead to itchy eyes. A pinguecula may also leave the eye feeling gritty like there is something in the eye. Any irritation to the eye, such as itchy or a feeling of grittiness, may lead to eyes that are swollen or red in appearance.

3. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes may be a symptom of pinguecula, occurring due to the way a pinguecula growth can affect the tear film of the eye. A pinguecula will typically grow on the conjunctiva or whites of the eye, which is responsible for protecting and lubricating the eye by producing mucus and tears, as explained in Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Conjunctiva, Shumway, Motlagh and Wade. As a pinguecula grows on the conjunctiva, it has the potential to disrupt the way tears are produced which can lead to dry eyes. Dry eyes may lead to irritation such as itchy eyes, gritty eyes, or teary eyes.

Does Pinguecula Go Away On Its Own?

No, a pinguecula will not go away on its own. The only treatment option that will remove a pinguecula completely is surgery.

What Happens if Pinguecula Goes Untreated?

There is little risk associated with not treating a pinguecula as it is a benign growth, however, it is always important to see an optometrist or a healthcare professional for any new growth in the eye as this is not always the case. A pinguecula does not often require treatment as they are a benign growth, meaning they are non-cancerous and not a threat to life. If a pinguecula is causing irritation or discomfort an optometrist may prescribe eye drops. Surgery may be considered for pinguecula in cases of cosmetic concern or if the growth is affecting the curvature of the cornea.

Can Eye Drops Get Rid of Pinguecula?

No, eye drops will not get rid of pinguecula. Eye drops are used in the treatment of pinguecula for the purpose of reducing any irritation the growth may cause. As a pinguecula grows on the conjunctiva of the eye, it may disrupt the tear film, causing itchiness or dryness, or a feeling of something in the eye. Eye drops can help to reduce this irritation and discomfort.

Should a Pinguecula be Removed?

A pinguecula does not generally need to be removed. A pinguecula is not a cancerous or sight-threatening growth, with the need for surgical removal low. If a pinguecula is surgically removed, this is often for cosmetic reasons, such as a patient not liking the way the growth looks on the eye, or if the growth is causing a lot of discomfort or irritation.

Is Pinguecula Dangerous?

No, a pinguecula is not dangerous. A pinguecula is a benign, non-cancerous growth meaning it is not life-threatening, nor is it sight-threatening. However, there are eye growths that can be a serious threat to eye health. It is important that you see an optometrist for any new growth in the eye.

Can Pinguecula Cause Blindness?

No, a pinguecula does not cause blindness. However, if a pinguecula progresses into a pterygium and starts to grow over the cornea, this may cause issues with vision.

Does Pinguecula Turn into Pterygium?

Yes, a pinguecula can turn into a pterygium. A pterygium is a fleshy, triangle or wedge-shaped growth on the conjunctiva, or the white parts of the eye. A pterygium may first start off as a pinguecula, that grows into this fleshy triangle that may begin to cover the cornea.