Pterygium and Pinguecula: Understanding the Causes and Treatment

Pterygium and pinguecula are non-cancerous growths on the eye that people often confuse because of their similar appearance. However, they differ in their symptoms and their treatment options. Dr. Garcia, our board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon at Desert Eyesthetics, has the skill, experience, and expertise to treat various eye conditions, including pterygium and pinguecula, providing expert care tailored to each patient's needs. We invite you to contact our practice in Gilbert to get started today.

What Is a Pterygium or Pinguecula?

A pterygium (surfer's eye) is a wedge or wing-shaped benign growth of the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea. While relatively harmless, it can grow large enough to cover the cornea, sometimes interfering with a patient's vision.

A pinguecula, on the other hand, is a yellowish, raised growth that appears on the eyeball, next to the cornea. The non-cancerous eye bump is typically formed of protein and fat and usually develops on the side of the eye close to the nose, although it can also grow on the far side. Most people don't experience symptoms, but if the tears are blocked from covering the entire area, it can lead to dryness and discomfort.

What Are the Causes of a Pterygium or Pinguecula?

Both pterygia and pingueculae usually develop from repeated exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays, as well as dust and wind. A pinguecula is usually confined to the white of the eye and is more common in older adults, although it can sometimes affect children and younger adults.

What Are the Warning Signs of Pterygium or Pinguecula?

While pterygium and pinguecula can look similar, they may cause slightly different symptoms that may include the following:

• Pterygium: In addition to redness, irritation, dryness, or a foreign-body sensation, a larger pterygium may alter the shape of the cornea and lead to blurred or distorted vision. It may also become more noticeable or uncomfortable as it grows.
• Pinguecula: A pinguecula may not cause any symptoms. But if it blocks tear flow, it can lead to dry eye, which in turn can lead to itching, stinging, or a gritty sensation like there's a foreign object in the eye, especially when exposed to wind, dust, or sunlight. Because it does not typically grow onto the cornea, a pinguecula does not usually interfere with vision.

How Is a Pterygium or Pinguecula Treated?

For a pterygium, Dr. Garcia may recommend eye drops to relieve irritation. But if the pterygium continues to grow, causes persistent symptoms, or begins to affect your vision, our oculoplastic surgeon may recommend a simple surgical procedure to remove the growth and provide lasting relief. While recurrence is possible after surgery, modern oculoplastic surgical techniques reduce the likelihood and shorten the recovery time.

Pingueculae, on the other hand, are asymptomatic in most cases and don't require treatment. But if you have discomfort when blinking, are having difficulty wearing contact lenses, or your eye bump is a cosmetic concern, Dr. Garcia can remove it in a simple procedure similar to pterygium surgery, with promising results and a quick recovery.

How Can You Prevent a Pterygium or Pinguecula From Forming?

The best way to reduce the risk of both pinguecula and pterygium is to protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays as well as dust and wind. If you have a history of eye bumps, it can be helpful to wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors, or even goggles when you're around wind or dust. If you have dry eyes, using artificial tears can help. Dr. Garcia is always happy to offer personalized tips to keep your eyes safe and protected and to lower the risk of an eye bump or growth from ever forming.

Pterygium and Pinguecula Treatment Near Me in Gilbert, AZ

If you would like to learn more about your treatment options for a pterygium or pinguecula, Dr. Garcia and her team at Desert Eyesthetics are here for you. Our experienced oculoplastic surgeon always recommends the most conservative treatment options to address your unique needs and restore your comfort and confidence. We invite you to call 480-454-7130 to schedule your appointment today!