Doctors diagnose growths on the white part of the eye as a pingueculum or a pterygium (plural: pinguecula and pterygia). Because these growths start as small nodules, they often go unnoticed until they cause irritation or grow to a more substantial size. Knowing about pingueculum and pterygium factors may encourage sufferers to have such growths evaluated and may also help others reduce the risks for occurrence.
Pingueculum
Pinguecula grow on the white of the eye and may have a yellow appearance. These slightly raised growths are not cancerous and vary in size, though their size may increase over time. Pinguecula do not usually cause pain, but if irritation occurs, most doctors recommend using artificial tears. If problems persist, an eye doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops to ease discomfort.
Pterygium
Pterygia extend from the white of the eye onto the cornea in a wedge shape that often appears thick. These growths consist of fibrous vascular tissues, but do not have cancerous qualities either. Most pterygia do not cause pain, though periodically, they may turn red and cause irritation. When discomfort flares up, eye doctors will often prescribe a steroid eye drop to calm symptoms.
Cause and Prevention
People who work outdoors or live in tropical areas have a greater risk for developing a pingueculum or pterygium. As a result, researchers believe extensive exposure to ultraviolet light may contribute to these growths. Even though researchers have not discovered how to prevent pinguecula or pterygia, risks may significantly decrease by wearing sunglasses that minimize exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Complications
Some patients experience significant pain and discomfort from pinguecula, and over time, pinguecula may grow to such an extent that the growths move over the cornea and interfere with vision. Large or thick pterygia may also cause distorted vision and pain. In both cases, an eye doctor will likely recommend surgical removal of the growths.
Surgical Removal
If an eye surgeon recommends removing a growth, the doctor will not usually perform the surgery the same day. Doctors perform most surgeries in a surgery center where they have access to all necessary equipment. Before the surgery, nurses will place numbing drops in the eye with the pterygia or pinguecula. The doctor will remove the growth and patch the eye. Most doctors recommend keeping the eye patch in place until the next day. Patients typically resume normal activities the next day.
Considerations
An eye doctor should evaluate any growth on the eye, whether it causes irritation or not. This may prevent the growth from causing problems and will also allow the doctor to monitor the growth for changes over time.
