Both referred to as eye bumps.

Pinguecula(pronounced pin-

GWEK-yoo-la)is the most commonly encountered bump. It is a growth appearing most commonly on the white of the eye (sclera) and almost always on the side closet to the nose. Most common among adults however may infrequently occur in children.

A Pinguecula is a slow growth caused by the degeneration of the conjunctiva’s collagen fibers. Thicker yellow fibers or in some cases calcified deposits eventually replace the original transparent in the conjunctiva.

Causes of the disorder are unknown but more frequently occur in people who live in sunny windy climates whose jobs expose them to ultra-violet light (UV Rays) such as farmers or welders.

Generally no symptoms occur except for foreign body sensation in the eye. Dry eye can exacerbate irritation or inflammation.

Treatment with severe inflammation is to include rewetting artificial tears, sometimes steroidal drops and protective eyewear (sunglasses)that help promote the blockage of UV Rays.

Pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) is the less encountered bump which is usually a triangular or wing shaped growth on the white of the eye (sclera). It extends into the cornea and usually contains blood vessels. This condition is of greater concern. It may grow far enough into the cornea to interfere with vision. Symptoms as mostly asymptomatic, however it may stretch and distort the cornea which may cause astigmatism and reduce visual acuity

As with the Pinguecula, the Pterygium is believed to be caused by exposure to ultra-violet rays and dry eye. Frequent occurances are in those that live in sunny windy climates.

Other symptoms for both conditions may include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Gritty Feeling
  • Feeling of having foreign material in eye

Treatment options include artificial tears to relieve sensation of foreign body. Surgery is advisable when the cornea causes visual defects from thickening is causing recurrent discomfort and or inflammation.

It is important to realize that the recovery period from this type of surgery may take weeks and there is a high rate of reoccurrence, as high as 50 to 60 % in some regions. Surgery is generally not recommended unless the discomfort is significant and or vision is affected.

The best way to avoidrecurrences is to limit exposure to theenvironmental factors that contribute to theirgrowth. This includes:

• adequately protecting your eyes from

excessive UV light with proper sunglasses;

• protecting your eyes in dry, dusty conditionswithproper eyewear;

• applying artificial tears to your eyes in dry

conditions.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that sunglasses worn should block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Protecting the eyes from sunlight, dust and other environmental irritants is also recommended

.

References:

DC Area Eye Care (n.d.) “Eye Bumps” Pinguecula and Pterygium Retrieved June 24, 2011 from

Stephenson, M. (n.d.) Pinguecula and Pterygium.Retrieved June 24, 2011 from All About Vision website.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.(n.d.) Retrieved June 24, 2011 from

Valdivia, C. (n.d.) Pinguecula and Pterygium.Retrieved June 24, 2011 from Glaucoma-eye-info.com

Liu, J. (n.d.) Pinguecula and Pterygium.Retrieved June 24, 2011 from My Doctor Online Permanente Medical Group.

Developed By Mari Garza

Pinguecula-Pterygium_GarzaPage 1